Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. (James 1:14–15)

I have used these commentaries each week to advocate for a spiritual approach to addressing life and family issues. I believe lasting change comes by changing the heart, which is the work of Christians as instruments of the Holy Spirit, living and sharing their faith.

In our form of governing, we have greater input on laws than many people have in other countries. We should consider how we can protect lives and nurture a positive culture that protects the family and lives for now and the future.

That means being vigilant. Because of the world’s evil inclination (Genesis 8:21), deception is a primary tool for change. Values do not change overnight. They erode over time.

James warned that temptation is part of a progression, dragging us further down a path of no return. The unspoken encouragement is to be vigilant. Be aware of how sin works.

I encourage you to remember that when it comes to public policy. Today advocates for numerous anti-Biblical positions have invoked the term “civil right.” Labeling something a “civil right” means it is an enforceable right or privilege under the law.

Nearly 40 years ago, I ran across an academic paper arguing for the rights of parents to terminate the lives of their disabled newborn children. The logic ran like this: If suicide is legal (i.e., a right to “death with dignity”), then everyone should have that right because a cornerstone of a civil right is equity. That means newborn children have the right to self-termination. But because of their immaturity, their rights are exercised for them by their parents or guardians. Therefore, the reasoning goes that parents should have the right to terminate their children’s lives because they would if they could.

As effort is made to change everything into a “civil right” give careful thought as to the fullest implications of such a designation. Rest assured, the evil inclination opens doors that we may wish have never been opened.