Q: What does it mean to be unnatural in your affections or relationship with others?
A: The idea of a matter being considered unnatural has to do with something that works against the natural instinct of what has been clearly established according to the working of creation, or outside of what has been established as a natural production (Romans 1:20-32). Everything operates according to unseen laws and principles (Romans 8:2; Galatians 6:7, 8). Therefore, anything that operates from the center of what has been established as instinct or natural production of a matter is deemed unnatural.
This brings us to the concept of “natural.” It has do to with “order.” All of creation works within that which is instinctively natural to ensure the function of the whole, except man. Because of his inherent condition of sin, man is forever challenging the natural order of things, thereby, creating chaos within creation. For example, as Creator, God clearly established that marriage was to be between one man and one woman (Genesis 1:26-28; 2:18-25). Regardless of how man tries to redefine what is natural by changing the law, meaning, and seasons of what God has ordained to be a proper order of propagation according to His Word, God’s law will stand as the measuring stick for all relationships in this arena. We know the fruits of the unnatural can ruin a species when creation becomes unbalanced or extreme. Likewise, within mankind, the unnatural manifests itself in the tearing asunder of the family, the ruination of society, and the destruction of civilization.
This brings us to the reason that man is the only being who steps outside of the proper order established by the Creator of the universe. It has to do with inordinate affections. Man often allows his attractions to define his affections, rather than him defining his affections in the right way (Colossians 3:2-3). It is easy for man to misread that which attracts him. Attractions that are not properly discerned and kept in the right perspective can become seductive and perverted by lust. Such individuals can begin to operate in the extremes of indifference and contempt to complete infatuation.
These fleshy, youthful lusts find their inspiration in wicked imaginations that are often created by unhealthy events and/or the indoctrination of a godless society. These lusts create a reality that is contrary to the natural. Lusts that run amuck will operate in extremes that swing from the branches of tormenting jealousies, overwhelming obsessions, and tyrannical possessiveness to the point where a person is completely consumed by them. In other words, the person can only think about the individual or relationship in which all the inordinate affections are being directed towards.
Since we are in our fallen condition, we all can experience these inordinate affections at some time in our lives. In fact, we often mistake them for “love”. Needless to say, this type of environment can become very unhealthy if these passions are not brought into a proper perspective. It creates what I call “parasitic relationships”, where people attach a very unhealthy dependency on the person or relationship. The person and relationship clearly replaces God in an individual’s life as he or she becomes captive to an insane reality where eventually right will be considered wrong and wrong considered right.
People who operate in the insane world of the unnatural would like to believe that what they have allowed themselves to become is natural, but the Bible is clear, man has a say over his affections, appetites, and preferences. How man chooses to perceive the attractions of this present age will determine the directions of his affections, the appetites he develops, and preferences he adopts; therefore, he is responsible for who he allows himself to become. It is for this reason that Jesus stated, “For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither anything hid, that shall not be known and come abroad. Take heed therefore how ye hear; for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which seemeth to have” (Luke 8:17, 18).