Hard to convince the public of the legitimacy of the landmark ruling

This letter was sent to Voices@TODAY but was not published.

It is bewildering that the judges found a lack of evidence to show that the applicant had set out to deliberately go against the Government’s policy against forming same-sex family units (“After landmark judgment, gay couples seeking adoption may find it harder to convince the courts: Desmond Lee; Dec 19).

The applicant and his partner first approached the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) to ask about adopting a child, but were told it was unlikely to recommend adoption to a homosexual couple.

The applicant then flew to the US where, through in-vitro fertilisation procedures, he paid US$200,000 (S$275,000) for the child to be artificially created (“Government policy review will be a mammoth task after gay man’s legal win, experts say”; Dec 19).

The intent of the applicant to circumvent the laws of our land to form a same-sex family unit is not incomprehensible to the general public.

It is unfortunate that it takes this case to unravel the fact that the MSF had backed 10 of 14 adoption bids that involved surrogacy procedures performed overseas between 2008 and 2018, although the provision of such services is illegal here.

If surrogacy is “the commodification of a woman as effectively a baby machine” and a child is robbed of his need and right to know both his father and his mother, it is wrong. If surrogacy is wrong, no regulation can make it right. It is wrong in all context. Every legislation involves morality.

Why would the High Court give a hypothetical example of a set of five parents in a polyamorous relationship when this is more of a comparison of parenting by persons in same-sex relations versus parenting by dual-sex couples? The idea of immorality of certain acts — which appears to be a possible ground of the criminalisation of male homosexual acts in Section 377A — should translate to a legal effect on persons in same-sex relations who want to adopt a child, especially those who use illegitimate ways to mock our laws.

Public confidence in our authorities has been shaken. Power and wealth have eroded the morality of our land.

The immeasurable price of Motherhood

This letter was sent to The Straits Times Forum but was not published.

Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) have replaced fertility and procreation with reproduction in a sterile lab. Such technologies made us forget that a child is begotten, not to be artificially created at a price of S$275,000 (“LandmarkHigh Court allows Singaporean Gay dad to adopt surrogate son”; Dec 17).

A child is a gift. No one demands a gift. We buy expensive toys for our children but now, children have become toys for us.  

If biological connection does not matter, this father would not be able to circumvent the laws of our land to start a family unit. He would not have gone to great lengths to reproduce a child with half his genetic traits by making use of the egg of one woman and the body of another for nine months of his child’s life.

No man, not even a single woman like me, can understand how a mother’s body undergo dramatic changes to give a life. Parenthood is sacrificial giving, not the taking away of a child’s need and right to his mother. The surrogate mother can relinquish her parental rights but it does not mean that the child does not need or yearn for his mother.

It is of paramount importance that a clear stance on all forms of surrogacy be made (“Clear stanceon all forms of surrogacy needed”; Dec 20) and that a policy review be made on singles being allowed to adopt children (“Ban surrogacy to protect theinterests of children and women”; Jan 5). No matter how much I as a single adoptive mother love my child, I cannot be the father that he needs. It is not about me, but all about what my child needs in a dual sex union.

Public confidence in our authorities has been shaken in this landmark ruling. A just society protects and safeguards the interests of the most vulnerable members of our society ; children. Children are priceless. The rich and powerful do not own them.

Why take pride in labels, LGBTQ community?

This letter was sent to Voices@TODAY on 22 September 2018 but was not published.

At a time when people with disabilities and mental illnesses are encouraging the general public to look beyond labels, it is ironical and regretful that a certain community cling on and take pride in their label as LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer).

In our sincere interactions with people, do we introduce ourselves by our sexual orientation, our disability or mental illness or do we engage in meaningful conversations about our personalities, our likes and dislikes, our aspirations and our contributions to this nation that we are bred in?

We may shout slogans without understanding the meaning of the words used. How healthy is sodomy? Who did the research?

Does freedom mean we can do whatever we want regardless of consequences or does it mean that we are no longer under the bondage of our minds and bodies such that we have true liberty? Does love mean total agreement with our loved ones or do we agree to disagree because we choose to esteem others higher than ourselves?

Our search for truth that is absolute and unchanging is critical, without which human life is doomed to futility. In seeking out this truth, we must first accord one another with the utmost respect that we ourselves would want to receive. Being pro-LGBT cannot be seen as being trendy or politically correct for that would be demeaning to any person who is seriously asking existential questions like, “Who am I?”, “What am I doing on this earth?” and the aching universal question, “Am I loved, based on the number of people who accepts me?”

Does anyone have immunity to negative comments, rude stares or bad treatment?

377A is not just a law. Repealing it would mean that sodomy is the same as natural sex between a man and a woman. How true is that?

If we are to engage in a meaningful discourse, let us strip away the rhetoric and get to the root of our identity crisis, both individually and as a nation (“Various forms of discrimination against LGBTQ community reported to support groups”; 21 September).

Do we go to heaven when we commit suicide?

Why is it that each time after someone committed suicide, people would say, "Rest in peace. XXX is in heaven with Jesus now, free of pain, depression and anxiety"?

Do we make a distinction between natural death versus the intentional act of self-destruction through suicide?

Are we emotional Christians who speak as one of the foolish women speaks, like Job’s wife? Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” (Job 2:10)

God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth (John 4:24).

Do we worship God in spirit and truth or do we worship Him in emotions and walk by sight?  

Are the principalities and powers behind depression and anxiety enemies that cannot be defeated or is God not omnipotent?

These 3 months have been gruelling. But it is during this time that I find God so near. My tears became my food but still I chose God. I chose God because He is faithful. He has always proven Himself faithful. God is near because I drew near to him.

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.  Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up” (James 4:8-10)

We know God gives us life and only He can take away this life.

"I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days..." (Deuteronomy 30)

The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life (Job 33:4).

Elijah was definitely suicidal when he prayed that he might die, and said, “It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!”

Then as he lay and slept under a broom tree, suddenly an angel touched him, and said to him, “Arise and eat.” Then he looked, and there by his head was a cake baked on coals, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank, and lay down again. And the angel of the Lord came back the second time, and touched him, and said, “Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for you.” So he arose, and ate and drank; and he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights as far as Horeb, the mountain of God.

God spoke to him in a still small voice, gave him a new commission, and pointed out his faulty beliefs that he alone was zealous for the LORD, he alone was left, he was totally helpless as the enemies sought his life. The LORD said, “Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.” (1 Kings 19:1-18)

First, make sure we eat, drink and sleep well during times of crisis. Without taking care of ourselves physically, we cannot function well mentally, emotionally, socially and spiritually.

Then, is our spirit alive, under the authority and guidance of the Holy Spirit? Is our spirit cooperative with God?

Do we really believe Jesus and walk by faith, not by sight when He said, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Is God Lord of ALL? If He is not, then He is not God at all.

Do all these words sound like cliché or are they life-giving?

Is it a case of “you are special, you are victorious in Christ” but I’m not?

Who is talking to you at this moment?

If it’s God, why not His word? 

If it’s the voice of the thief, do you not know that,

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. Jesus came that we may have life, and that we may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)

We don’t commit suicide. We choose life. That’s a command from God.

https://www.impact.com.sg/single-post/2017/07/11/Brittle-Bones-Wont-Break-Me

Life is about daring to TRY!

Lord, I pray that I will do what I preach, that I will be courageous to TRY!

Today's "weather" was exceptionally good, in contrast to the weather outside. Boy got 9/10 for excellent behaviour!

I agree that the Chinese cloze passage for P2 is hard. Nevertheless the rules still stand.

"不知道不知道不知道了不知道丽。。。" He read throughout the passage. He only recognised certain words from the textbook and the rest is 不知道.

I sat there, arms folded, trying very hard not to laugh, my encouraging eyes on him, to convey the message that I am serious about him filling in the 5 blanks, despite his many 不知道.

Think he got 3 correct. See? You don't need to be able to read all the words to be able to do your work!

The first try is never about getting the right answers. It is a test of perseverance, to try your very best even when you don't know. I am satisfied with wrong answers but I'm most annoying to every kid when I see a blank.

It's all about daring to try.

Life is not about knowing all the correct answers on the first try. It is about perseverance and the courage to try despite the many difficulties faced.

This is the skill that I pray that my boy would understand one day. I'm learning it day by day.

Already at 8 years old, he was reminiscing that I was fiercer to him in the beginning of the year because he was naughtier...now I'm nicer...

I looked and him and I'm like "wow"!

有前途!

Be consistent in valuing every life

This letter was sent to The Straits Times Forum but was not published.

As one who had attempted suicide in my twenties but is now fervent for life, it is heartbreaking to learn that more elderly are turning to suicide as the only choice to end their pain and struggles (Number of suicides committed by the elderly hits record high as Singapore population ages; 30 July).

In the intensive care unit after my suicide attempt, I saw the tears of my elderly father and my siblings. I lost my beloved mother through cancer but my family members nearly lost me when I tried to destroy this life which is not my own. What if those who had committed suicide had seen the tears of their loved ones? Would they still want to kill themselves?

Family members are meant to go through life’s challenges together. How have we fare in building strong families? Because I live, I owe it to the society to make a difference in the lives of people who are more disadvantaged than me.

My family circumstances have not changed much but my will to live is informed by my Christian faith. I no longer look at what others can do to make me happy and feel fulfilled but I gain joy and strength from sharing how the pain and trials of the past made me a better person today.

The most comprehensive system of helping the vulnerable cannot replace that emotional touch that we can offer to our loved ones as well as the one on the streets.

Building a culture of life is a continuous process throughout our lifetime. Every life is precious; from the unborn to the terminally ill. Our inconsistency in saying that one life is more precious than the other cannot convince our elderly that we treasure and honor them, especially when they are no longer seen as “useful” by a society that values materialism.

Let us encourage our elderly to run this race to the very end. Perseverance is a virtue that we desperately need in a culture where instant gratification is glorified.

Love, intimacy go beyond sex

As a person born with a physical disability and diagnosed with bipolar disorder in my mid-20s, I tend to feel I have a little more insight into how our mind and body function.
In this highly sexualised society, it is regretful that we tend to equate the innate desire for love and intimacy with the need to have sex (Disability and sexuality; June 30).
Intimacy in a relationship is far more than just sex. It includes the physical intimacy of touching someone's hand, the emotional intimacy of sharing fears and secrets, the intellectual intimacy of knowing that we share the same opinions on a matter, and the spiritual intimacy of belonging to the same faith.
Sex is a gift that I would give only to my husband.
I need no helping hand in this, otherwise it would be a spoilt gift.
Sex is not a need that I would have died for in these years of singleness.
I applaud the efforts taken by married couples to seek help and to be counselled that intimacy can be creatively sought beyond sex.
Love is the greatest gift that everyone can give lavishly.
My faith informed my mind and heart that this broken body of mine has intrinsic value, no matter what others think or say.
It is time we progress beyond looking at seemingly vulnerable people with coloured lenses.
https://www.straitstimes.com/forum/letters-on-the-web/love-intimacy-go-beyond-sex

Original letter:

As a person born with a physical disability and diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder in my mid-twenties, I have the privilege to gain insights into how our mind and body function.
In this highly sexualized society that we live in, it is a regret that we tend to equate the innate desire for love and intimacy with the need to have sex 
(Disability and sexuality; June 30).
This desire to love and be loved, to know and be known is rooted in the heart of every individual, whether we are young or old, disabled or able-bodied, mentally sound or just need time to find our equilibrium in a society that is increasingly insane.
Intimacy in a relationship is far more than just sex. It includes the physical intimacy of touching someone’s hand, the emotional intimacy of sharing fears and secrets, the intellectual intimacy of knowing that we share the same opinions on a matter and the spiritual intimacy of belonging to the same faith.
Sex is a gift that I would only give to my husband, not any sexual partner. I need no helping hand in what is a gift, otherwise it would be a spoilt one. Sex is not a need, for I would have died in these years of singleness.
I applaud the efforts taken by married couples to seek help and to be counselled that intimacy can be creatively sought beyond sex. We acknowledge this aspect of intimacy to be fulfilled in the sanctuary of marriage while not being despaired that love perishes without sex. Love is the greatest gift that everyone can give lavishly.
My faith informed my mind and heart that this broken body of mine has intrinsic value, no matter what others think or say. It is time we progress beyond looking at seemingly vulnerable people with coloured lenses.

Good references:

1. https://www.family.org.sg/FOTFS/Blog/Marriage/What_I_Didn_t_Know_about_Marriage_before_the_Plunge.aspx

2. www.ibelieveinlove.com/emotional-closeness-in-a-relationship/

Submissions on “Ethical, Legal and Social Issues Arising from Mitochondrial Genome Replacement Technology”

Submissions on “Ethical, Legal and Social Issues Arising from Mitochondrial Genome Replacement Technology (MGRT)”

To the Bioethics Advisory Committee (BAC),

As a woman born with a genetic disorder Osteogenesis Imperfecta, in layman’s term “brittle bone disease”, I would like to pose the following questions to BAC:

1.     Since genes can be edited, can we eliminate ALL genetic disorders? If not, how is it fair that such genetic modification is offered to mothers with mitochondrial disorders but not to mothers of other genetic disorders?

2.     Where do we draw the boundary in achieving BAC’s seemingly noble goal of “preventing suffering not only for their future children, but also for the prospective parents”?

3.     How can BAC or our government prevent the “suffering” of people with acquired disabilities in later life, whether due to accidents, illnesses or old age, if indeed having a disability is equated with suffering?

David Lang, 60 years old, has three children who were born bright and healthy. His children were discovered to suffer from Niemann-Pick disease type C, a rare genetic disorder that causes the cognitive and physical functions of the three children to degenerate. One child died at age 10 while the other two have been left paralysed, unable to talk. Together with his wife Loo Geok, 58, they soldiered on. Mr Lang, who earns less than $5,000 a month, copes financially with the help of family members and church friends and also received money and gifts from strangers. Mr Lang said that his children’s ability to smile or respond a little already gave them a lot of joy (“3 kids in family struck by rare genetic disorder”; 20 May).

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/3-kids-in-family-struck-by-rare-genetic-disorder

What does BAC have to say to this couple whose joy now is to see their two remaining adult children able to smile and respond a little? Is parental love conditional such that when children are not as “normal” as before, they cease to be their parents’ beloved ones?

Family members are meant to “suffer” together. The sacrificial love of a family can weather the storms of life with the help of the society at large. We build a compassionate society not by playing gods but by helping one another through life’s upheavals.

MGRT is eugenic in nature. It promotes genetic discrimination in Singapore, at a time when we celebrate the abilities of people with disabilities (PWDs). It is hypocrisy to celebrate PWDs but on the other hand, seek to alter their genes to prevent them from even existing.

I was born with mutated genes that caused me to be born with fractures. I can be said to have “inferior” genes because I was born with a short stature and countless fractures such that my childhood was spent in a Children’s hospital. But I was gifted with committed parents who believe in choosing life for me even when I was called a “fragile doll” by medical staff. At birth, I was deemed untouchable and no doctor would have given me a good prognosis.

As medical technology advanced, I had my first surgery at age seven. Now I have rods and metal plates in my femurs. The vicious cycle of more fractures, more surgeries and prolonged periods of rehabilitation dominated my childhood and secondary school years. Despite that, I graduated with a degree in Social Work and Chinese Language and am now a private educator with the ability to impact lives. I use a wheelchair for greater mobility and to pursue a better quality of life. Using a wheelchair helped me to travel overseas, not only for leisure but also for mission trips.

Education and technology prospered my soul and enabled my body to function at its optimal level. I learnt to swim to build muscle strength. My health record is better than any person without a disability because I choose to take responsibility for my life. Technology can help to improve my life externally. To use technology to tamper with genes is to tamper with nature. The human body is too complex to let us foresee the consequences of tampering with what is unknown. As it is, none of us can even control our every breath.

Doctors know my biology but they know nothing about my life to decide if my life is worth living. I have proven every doctor wrong that a seemingly grossly handicapped baby is now leading a life of victory!

If genes can be readily edited, what have I missed?

Don’t healthy people get into accidents and become paralysed? Are their lives no longer worth living?

A New Zealand holiday ended in a horrifying accident and life in a wheelchair. But Jean Ling tells On The Red Dot how she returned to adventuring and found true love (“Left half-paralysed in a holiday crash, she walks at her wedding three years on”; 9 June).

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/cnainsider/paralysed-new-zealand-car-crash-jean-ling-wedding-10398902

Don’t we love stories of fortitude and know not the boundless magnitude of human strength in times of trials? Are genetically healthy people exempted from the stresses of life and the sicknesses that assail us at different stages of life? Even children are not spared of cancer. In pursuing a more genetically “perfect” version of ourselves, it makes it harder for us to accept any sicknesses or defects caused by accidents or old age.

Finally, children are gifts, not products. MGRT reduces people to their genetics. For people like me who have a genetic disorder, MGRT signals strongly that those who have “defective” genes are not welcome in our nation. Will these therapies be so costly that they exclude the disadvantaged, and may even exacerbate already existing domestic and global socio-economic inequalities? The moral cost of MGRT cannot be justified, no matter how noble the intended goal appears to be. Surely, we can put our limited resources to greater use.

My parents did not pass on defective genes to me. My late mother passed on perseverance and courage to me, to live a life that shines for others.

Let us create a society that looks to the welfare of children first, above the limitless desires and worries of adults. 

Yours Sincerely,

Serene Ho (Ms)

14 June 2018

I received an acknowledgement from MOH on 19 June 2018.

Dear Ms Ho,

Thank you for your submission to the BAC’s consultation on mitochondrial genome replacement technology.

Your personal story is inspiring, and I think it is so precious that in this debate, we also get to learn the perspective of individuals like yourself who live with a genetic condition. Thank you for taking the time to share your views with us, and for allowing us to publish your response in the final report. Secretariat will forward your response to the Committee, which I have no doubt will give careful consideration to your valuable inputs.

With warmest regards,

Charmaine 

Charmaine Chan
Bioethics Advisory Committee Secretariat

Harbourfront Centre, 1 Maritime Square, #11-23, Singapore 099253

No longer trash of society!

Too many quotable quotes in this favourite book of 2018, "Trash of Society" by Jason Wong. Concise, humanely written from a heart that pursues God. I "chanced upon" this book when I was down and this book was God-sent to lift up my spirit. Like Jason, my 11 years senior in my junior college, I want to claim salvation for all my family members. I want to pursue the heart of God and let Him multiply the little I have!:D  

"As long as I was willing to be broken, God could multiply. He said, the little you have is enough. I use the small things - the weak things, the foolish things - so no one may boast. If you keep what you have, you are only five loaves and two fish, but if you give them to Me, I will multiply them and use you to do the impossible."

"Do not forget the children of prisoners. Do not forget them because I (God) remember them." 

"I call the church to set prisoners free. I didn't call the government to set prisoners free."

"Faith energises, fear paralyses"

"Money we don't have, only faith - can or not?"

"Man only wants to solve their own problems but God wants to stop the cries of the children/people."

Fear of failure causing stress in our society

Having taught primary and secondary school students as a private tutor for 17 years, I cannot agree more with the River Valley High School student that exams teach us to study independently, which will be useful for work in the future (MOE taking steps to 'loosen up' education to reduce stress, says Ong Ye Kung; May 30).

It is commendable that he takes tests as opportunities to do better the next time.

I welcome the steps taken by the Ministry of Education to introduce more flexibility to our rigid education system that seeks to measure success based on academic results. Although lower primary pupils have no examinations till the end of Primary 2, they still have many bite-sized tests.

The fear of failure is the cause of stress in our society. Many students today dare not even try. They are terrified if they do not do well in tests, as if academic success determines their destiny.

Many students lack perseverance but expect instant gratification. They expect to be spoon-fed the answers to tests because we have been spoon-feeding them all this while.

For too long, we have emphasised certificates above character, knowledge above lifelong learning and efficiency above values.

Successful people take personal responsibility for their learning and take pride in their work.

We need to regain that tenacity in life and pass it on to the younger generation. Let us not limit their growth by determining the kinds of stress they can or cannot take.

https://www.straitstimes.com/forum/letters-in-print/fear-of-failure-causing-stress-in-our-society

Edited out :

Students buy into the ideologies of the west because we have not trained them well in critical thinking. What do we mean when we say we want to better integrate the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community? We have already divided our nation by labelling people and putting them into a community. How does that contribute to the common good of our society? 

I lived to see my kid live for eternity!

Life has become too exciting not to be recorded. 

On 29 May, Tuesday, Vesak Day, I met up with a friend and the friend from my ex-church and we spoke quite a bit about healing and deliverance. She prayed for me. 

On the way home, I texted a friend from Ellel Ministries.  She called me and did deliverance with me over the phone for nearly 3 hours, from 830+ pm to 1130+ pm.

I was totally exhausted. I am so grateful to her that God allowed her to do it for me because by the time I have proper healing and deliverance, that would be 2-3 months later?

I intend to do it this year.

She was really good! Good as in proclaiming God's word with His authority can only be good!

I slept well, though I still woke up 2-3 times in the night, up till today.

Yesterday, my mind was trying to reflect on what went wrong, what went right, what is actually happening...Then I realised that I should be meditating within my heart on my bed, not thinking and thinking in my mind. No wonder I couldn't sleep as well!

On Tuesday night, I slept as if my body was covered with the blood of Jesus and His angels guarded my body.

Yesterday I slept with no fear. Just mind too active when I woke up in the night and it was harder to sleep again.

Today I learnt that next Tuesday there would be a bigger group praying against abortion. I was all eager to go. I even sent the message to two group chats and left for lessons.

I did wonder if it was ok for me to go when I am vulnerable now. Two friends in this ministry differ on whether I should go. I did ask God and was thinking that if I am free from attacks these few nights, I would go for this Saturday's prayer.

I walked up the slope to kids' house, a path that I used for four years. 

I walked very near the grass patch, because there were cars passing by.

I saw this Comfort Taxi coming down but it was getting too near me.

Then it stopped so near me that it was really unbelievable that it didn't hit me.

As miraculous as the time when a car knocked on my big wheels twice in 2015. If the impact had been great, I would have been on the road.

I was about to abandon my bag and chair and cling to the grass.

Taxi driver wound down his windows.

He seemed shaken. He said he could not see me when it was unlikely. I sensed that he was not concentrating on driving. He looked tired.

He said sorry.

I was abnormally calm. I didn't even scream when the car was so near.

Maybe because the car was slow?

I think I was very sure that I would be fine.

Wow, if it was not God, I don't know who could give me that assurance.

I went on to teach my two kids. It didn't sink in that I just escaped death/injury.

Until I led my girl in a prayer to receive Christ. She prayed for protection over me.

That was when I realised that Satan had changed his tactics.

Panic attacks didn't stop me. Headaches and interrupted sleep didn't irritate me.

Now use a driver to try to scare me.

Wow, how long, Lord?

Not going to prayer meetings would stop the attacks?

I am sick of his scare tactics.

I'm pissed off!

If I live, I live to Christ.

If I die, I am with Christ.

But I asked for a long life, satisfied in Christ.

I have yet to see God's promises fulfilled!

I will live, by God's sovereign will.

I lived to see my kid live for eternity!

Hallelujah!

Lord, grant me patience for all that I am enduring!

"Take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." by C.H Spurgeon

"That Word of God which could convert you, can convert anybody; if it could kill your despair, it can remove another man's despondency; if it has conquered your pride and self-will, it can subdue the like in your children and your neighbors. Having done what it has certainly done for you, you may have a full persuasion that, before its power, no case is hopeless. Wherefore, see to it, that you use from this day forth no other weapon than the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God...

Do not merely say, "I will keep Satan out of my family by bringing up my children aright", but go to the Sunday-school, and teach other children, and so carry the war over the border...

But I pray you do not let your love of the Bible end there. With a soldier in war, a sword is not meant to be hung up in the tent, nor even to be flourished in the air; but it is issued to be used. Nor are we to push this sword into a sheath, as many do who take the Bible, and add so much of criticism, or of their own opinion to it, that its edge is not felt. Many men use their low opinion of inspiration as a scabbard into which they push the Bible down. Their vast knowledge makes a beautiful scabbard, and they push down the sword, saying, "Keep still there! O sword of the Lord, rest and he quiet!" After we have preached our heart out, and men have felt the power of it, they make a desperate effort to imprison the Word in their unbelieving theory, or in their worldliness. They hold down the Word all the week with a firm hand, for fear its edge or point should wound them. It is the scabbard of culture, or philosophy, or of progress, and in this they shut up the living Word of God as in a coffin...

As quick as arm can move, drive texts of Scripture through every new fallacy, every new denial of truth, and spit the whole of them upon the rapier of the Word. It will be for your good to kill these doubts outright. Do not play with them, but fight them in real earnest. You will find that temptations also will come in hordes. Meet them with the precepts of sacred Writ, and slay even the desire of evil by the Spirit's application of the Holy Word. The washing of water by the Word is a glorious cleanser. Discouragements will arise like mists of the morning. Oh, that God's Word may shine them away with the beams of the promises! Your afflictions multiply, and you will never be able to overcome impatience and distrust except by the infallible Word of God. You can bear trial, and bear it patiently, if you use this weapon to kill anxiety. You will "stand fast in the evil day", and having done all, you will still stand, if this sword be in your hand...

No sinner around you will be saved except by the knowledge of the great truths contained in the Word of God. No man will ever be brought to repentance, to faith, and to life in Christ, apart from the constant application of the truth through the Spirit...

Our divine Lord in the wilderness was tempted of the devil. He might have fought Satan with a thousand weapons; but he chose to defeat him with this one only. He said, "It is written; it is written; it is written." He pricked the foeman so sorely with this sharp point, that the arch-adversary thought to try the same sword; and he also began to say, "It is written." But he cut himself with this sword, for he did not quote the passages correctly, nor give the whole of them; and the Master soon found the way to knock aside his sword, and wound him still more. Follow your Lord's example."
https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/spurgeon_charles/sermons/2201.cfm?a=1103001