First of all, I have several gay friends, and even some extended family. I don't hate them. I don't judge them. They are no more perfect or imperfect than any of the rest of us. My comments here are about issues, not about people, and I'm interested in hearing your feedback.
Second, I have what may be a unique view on homosexuality, considering I'm a fairly conservative guy. I do not believe that homosexuality is just a choice. I believe that most gays are genetically predisposed to it in much the same way that a person may be genetically predisposed to any number of things, good or bad. I do not believe that most gays deliberately or consciously choose that lifestyle.
Third, I try to keep my own opinion out of it and lean on what I know to be 100% timelessly true and beneficial -- the Word of God. My opinions are just that -- mine. Your opinions, likewise, are just yours. They're the opinions of two fallible people with limited knowledge. The Word of God, however, is the word of the living and perfect God who created all things and knows all things. So obviously, I'll put more faith in it than in my or your opinion. No offense.
I guess the starting point when looking at gay marriage is looking at homosexuality itself.
First of all, it is a sin. This is not a judgment or a condemnation, nor is it my opinion. This is repeatedly in the Bible. It is a sin. But it is no more of a sin than adultery, pornography or other forms of "sexual immorality" or anything else. Homosexual sin is no worse in God's eyes than heterosexual sin. Homosexual immorality is no more immoral or sinful than heterosexual immorality.
"Don't you know that those who do wrong will have no share in the Kingdom of God? Don't fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, who are idol worshipers, adulterers, male prostitutes, homosexuals, thieves, greedy people, drunkards, abusers and swindlers -- none of these will have a share in the Kingdom of God." 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (are there any of us who don't see ourselves in that passage??)
"Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity or greed among you.... You can be sure that no immoral, impure or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God.... Don't be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the terrible anger of God comes upon all those who disobey Him." Ephesians 5:3, 5-6
Second, I mentioned that I believe there may be a genetic predisposition toward homosexuality. And I do believe that. But that doesn't make it right in God's eyes. Science has also proven that a person may be genetically predisposed to alcoholism, but that doesn't justify alcoholism. It just makes it harder to avoid. With homosexuality, it makes it more difficult to resist that sin and creates a greater dependence upon God. Or it should, anyway. Same as any difficulty should. Put it this way - do you really believe God would forbid something for which we cannot help and over which we have no control?
"There was a time when some of you (previous verses) were just like that, but now your sins have been washed away, and you have been set apart for God. You have been made right with God because of what the Lord Jesus Christ and the Spirit of our God have done for you." 1 Corinthians 6:11
Third, I don't hate homosexuals. As I mentioned, I have gay coworkers, gay friends, gay cousins and have had gay teammates when I played sports. There are people I like, and those I'm not particularly drawn to -- same as anyone else. Your sexual orientation plays no part in that. It is no reason not to love someone as Christ commanded us to love others. We are not to judge. The Bible is clear on that. That's God's job. We are to love. If we are motivated by a Godly love then we may be called to challenge someone on their actions and sins -- whether they be homosexual or heterosexual -- sin is sin, and may be confronted, but only in a spirit of Godly love and conviction.
So I am opposed to homosexual marriage. Marriage is between a man and a woman. It serves the evolutionary purpose, if you will, to procreate and provide a structure in raising children. It is a Biblical illustration of God's relationship to us, His church. It is ordained by God from the beginning of time, for specific natural purposes and specific spiritual purposes.
"As the Scriptures say, 'A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.' This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and church are one." Ephesians 5:31-32
In terms of public policy, however, I do think it's important that accommodations be made for civil unions. We may be a Christian nation, but we are not all Christians, nor is our government a theocracy. It does not follow the letter of the Scriptures (though some may argue it should) -- it follows the letter of the law.
It is important for civil unions to be allowed when it comes to medical issues, child care issues, insurance and benefits, and other many legal matters. They are legally important and, I believe, necessary.
Again, speaking in terms of public policy, having some states that permit gay marriage and some that do not creates major problems. What if a couple married in Iowa moves down to Florida? Will the laws of one state force another state to comply, even if the people of that state have said they have no interest? Would Florida be forced to recognize that marriage just as Iowa does, even though Florida does not recognize it? It would create a myriad of policy problems and legal issues. It has also opened up the door, subsequently, to gay divorce and all the issues that stem from that. It creates significant issues both for governments and for businesses, small and large.
Here is the bottom line for me: God says homosexuality is wrong. I believe Him. Marriage should be a valued institution, to be protected and held high. Regrettably, it is not. The devil is actively targeting marriage and the family. He is using heterosexual sex and homosexual sex to do so. He (the devil) is tearing apart families and seeking to redefine and recreate that which God Himself created to bring glory to Him.
Christians, however, should spend more time focusing on what God says about THEIR OWN lives rather than what God says about others. If we put as much effort and energy into being who and what God wanted us to be, as opposed to trying to be God's little minions of judgment and correction, then the world would be vastly different. Families would be different. Children would be different. Relationships would be different. Laws and governments would be different. "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need." Matthew 6:33
"Since you have heard all about Him and have learned the truth that is in Jesus, throw off your old evil nature and your former way of life, which is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception. Instead, there must be spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes. You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God's likeness -- righteous, holy and true." Ephesians 4:22-24 This is a passage that all of us should heed.
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