Millennial Health Check: America’s Gathering STD Crisis
As we head into the next millennium, many are reassessing where we are as a nation and where we are going in the next one. Technologically, we have accelerated exponentially. Even within the past 50 years, we have advanced from room-sized computers to hand-held ones. Economically, the Dow Jones index has touched the 9000 mark. Scientifically, we can sustain life in space for months and we have nearly decoded the human genome. However, some trends are not reassuring, particularly in the area of sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s).
Twenty years ago we faced five major STD’s, whereas today we can’t count them on two hands. As a third year medical student, I’ve learned how this stark reality has taken its toll. For example, AIDS, a fatal STD, is currently the leading cause of death in males between the ages of 25-44. This disease has crippled many who should be the most productive members of our society. However, AIDS is not the only life-altering STD. There are numerous other STD’s that lead to serious consequences including chronic pain, chronic inflammation, complications in pregnancy, infertility, and even cancer.
If we are making so many advancements as a nation, why are we facing such grim prospects in this area? It cannot be for lack of knowledge and education upon the subject. What is no longer taught in our society, but is clear from the Bible, is that rebellion against God yields grave consequences in both the spiritual and physical areas of our lives. This reality holds true for individuals as well as nations. God’s word says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” (Proverbs 16)
Rebellion against God yields grave consequences in both the spiritual and physical areas of our lives.
God is holy. He abhors sin because it distorts and destroys what He has intended for the good of man. God, who made man and woman, said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” (Genesis 2) His intent is that “a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” (Genesis 2) God’s design for husband and wife is explained later in Scripture (Ephesians 5) to be a shadow of Christ’s union with the Church, His body and bride. That is how important this matter is to God.
For these very reasons, God clearly warns us about sins committed in the body: “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.” (1 Corinthians 6) We are told that the body is to be the temple or dwelling place of the Holy Spirit whom we receive from Him when we believe in His Son Jesus (1 Corinthians 6).
Jesus said, “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5) Sin starts in the heart— which is exactly why He died on the cross. His blood shed for us cleanses our hearts from all sin so that we no longer have to live according to our passions and lusts. Then we are free to live the abundant lives God has planned for us.
As we re-examine where we are as a nation, should we not return to the One who has made us and to the One who is offering us life and life eternal? “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.” (Proverbs 14) Just as godless behavior gives rise to STD’s to do their harm, godly behavior will assuredly restrict, restrain, and ultimately diminish them.
God says, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7)
Paulina Kim, Ezra Stiles ’95