How Did the Obvious Become Ambiguous?

Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 22

Scripture Focus: A woman shall not wear a man's garment, nor shall a man put on a woman's cloak, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord your God. (Deuteronomy 22.5)

Devotional Thought: In recent years, Purdue University in Lafayette, Indiana, issued a writing guide which instructed students to avoid using words with 'man' in them. These words, according to the university guide, are potentially sexist and biased. I had to laugh that it was actually suggested that instead of using 'man-made', the word 'manufactured' should be used. And, 'humanity' should be substituted for 'mankind.' Umm, am I missing something here?

And then there are women's groups who are beginning to resent the inclusion of transgendered women in their 'cause' because they do not have the same physical makeup and have not experienced the same limitations.

Makes you wonder how many worms are in that can we've opened up, doesn't it?

So, what does that have to do with today's scripture? God's Word says that "a woman shall not wear a man's garment, nor shall a man put on a woman's cloak." Seems straightforward enough, until you begin to realize that male and female garments are culturally, not biblically, defined. So, there must be a principle behind this prohibition. What is it?

It's not about women wearing pants or men wearing skirts (kilts or robes), but rather it is about trying to appear as the opposite sex in order to enter into forbidden sexual relationships. Today's culture has focused on gender identity in ways that are both healthy (equality and compassion), and unhealthy (fluidity and confusion). God's Word simply identifies male and female by their sexual characteristics. How did the obvious become so ambiguous?

Prayer: Lord, in this world of confusion, half-truths, and propaganda, help us to turn to your Word for our guiding principles. In all things, may we act in love. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 23.1-6

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.