I've read quite a bit today on various social media outlets regarding same-sex marriage/equality. Now, typically I strive to steer clear of posting on these hot topic issues for the sake of "not stirring the pot" but something is stirring within me and I cannot keep quiet right now.
I've watched many people who are in favor of marriage equality talk down to Christians labeling them as judgmental, hypocritical, loveless people all because they are vocal and passionate about what God clearly states on this issue.
On the other hand I have been saddened as I've watched people who claim Christ as their own belittle others and spew horrific, degrading comments all in Christ's name.... walking away as if they should be proud to "put a sinner in their place" in such a harsh way.
I've also seen many Christians advocate marriage equality because they feel "Love is Love" and you cannot place limits on that. They say things such as "If GOD has given man free choice then YOU shouldn't be allowed to choose how homosexuals have to live their lives".
So here is what I'm hoping to accomplish through this blog post- my objective isn't to hurt, speak down to or judge anyone. My hope and prayer is to simply refer to the word and take a look at what GOD has to say. Whether you are a believer or not you're reading my blog and I am a follower of Christ so don't be shocked when you hear me refer to Jesus and the Bible- because I WILL. You may hear what I have to say and respond with "That's great.... but take God out of the equation..." well my friend, that simply cannot be done. Whether you choose to acknowledge Christ as your Lord and the Creator of you and me, He will still be just that. The only solution to every problem we face is Christ and until mankind embraces that instead of flees from it, we will continue to run this treadmill race which leads to nowhere.
Shall we begin?
-What is MARRIAGE?-
Marriage: The formal union of a man and a woman by which they become husband and wife.
"Then the man said, 'This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman because she was taken out of Man'. Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh" Genesis 2:23-24
God created MAN and WOMAN in the beginning- I've heard snarky comments such as "It was Adam and EVE not Adam and STEVE". While I may agree with that comment I believe nothing good will come out of comical or witty jokes when dealing with the sovereignty of marriage Since the beginning Satan has sought to sow division within the God ordained beauty of marriage, seeking to separate the two whom God miraculously brought together. We need to realize that Satan is just as actively pursuing such things through divorce and same-sex marriage. I bring up divorce because we often feel that same-sex marriage is the only plague hitting the union of "Husband and Wife" today when that's simply not the case. Separation of any kind between "Husband and Wife" is good enough for Satan- sexual perversion, lust, emotional affairs, etc...- but this wave of overwhelmingly dark deception (homosexuality) is heart-wrenching.
Moving on to my next point.
-What is LOVE?-
Love: 1-Strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties:i.e. maternal love.
2- Attraction based on sexual desire, affection/tenderness felt by lovers. 3- Affection based on admiration, benevolence or common interests.
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps not record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
When I hear statements about the need to "love everyone because God loves everyone" I am amazed at the lack of understanding/knowledge people have nowadays.
I was reading John 8 which tells the story of the woman caught in the act of adultery From this passage you will hear the argument of ; “...Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her...” (John 8:7) I've read/heard countless times people bring this scripture up to validate the sin of homosexuality. We need to realize that in John 8 Jesus goes on to say, “...Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:11) While the woman did sin, Jesus FORGAVE but also told her to LEAVE HER LIFE OF SIN. Man is not to judge, but we are called to hold others accountable, to be ambassadors of Christ and to be the salt of the earth and a light unto this dark and depraved world! Ultimately, mankind will have to stand before God... Homosexuals will have to answer on their own for the abomination they've committed, you're not to belittle or look down on them for the choices they make... but you should live in love, set an example and boldly proclaim the truth of Christ which will set them free!
" A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another." John 13:34
So how did/does God love us? We all have an idea of what "love" is and expect others to abide by it, if they don't we assume they don't love us- right?
"For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him." John 3:17
When I read that scripture my mind went crazy, revelation swept over me like a refreshing mist on a hot, Texas summer day. We know that God didn't send Jesus to condemn us. Jesus didn't come to make us feel "less than" or "worthless" but to redeem us...to save us! The part that shook me though was this.
One must be in trouble in order to need saving.
We are all sinful and, as Romans 3:23 says, "fall short of the glory of God". There is not a single person who, without Christ, is blameless! WE ALL NEED JESUS! We need Him to save us from our sin, Satan and ourselves. The first step though, in realizing you need rescued, is admitting you have a problem and need help. Many people in this world are sinking in a sandpit of sin and, while it's not always immediate, it will suffocate and potentially kill you if you don't get out. Homosexuality is seemingly harmless... it's all about love, equality, embracing "who you are", courage and the list goes on and on. Attempting to watch movies/TV nowadays is nearly impossible due to the saturation of sin- you will almost always have homosexuality creeping in at some point, appearing in cute, funny, charming or innocent ways.... we've become so desensitized to it that it's become the norm. Sadly so, for it should NOT be this way. Sin is sin regardless of size or severity and no matter what I (and God) disapprove- but this post is about homosexuality and I'm going to further attempt to stay focused. Many homosexuals are caught in this sandpit of sin and are sinking, they just don't realize it! As the hands and feet of Jesus, we are called to help those in need... that doesn't just stop at the homeless and hungry but goes for the lost, deceived and hurting, too.
"Do unto others as you would have them do to you" Luke 6:31
If I were standing in sinking sand I hope that you LOVE me enough to point out the potential danger I was in and did all that you could to convince me to take your hand and accept your assistance. The situation could go one of two ways: I could get upset with you and offended that you dared to mention where I was standing because you're on your own path and need to stick to it, or I could accept your help and would be thankful for you taking the time to help me. Often, we get in the middle of a situation or a lifestyle and it's all we can see.... but truth, repentance, Jesus and salvation are the answers to finding clarity and freedom! The sandpit may look harmless or even like another step on solid ground, but once you tiptoe onto its path you soon realize that's not the case and pray it isn't too late. One way or another I know that, should I gasp for my last breath and glimpse you standing by as my actions/life suck me under, I will not think your idly standing by is proof of your love but instead your lack of it. For you to decide to not intervene because you'd hate to question my choices or lifestyle in the end will not change my fate, but if you decide to step out on faith and allow Christ to work through you, my outcome may be different.
The Bible clearly states that homosexuality is wrong, we see it here in Leviticus 18:22-
"You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination." God does not approve, condone or promote homosexuality and likewise we, as followers of Christ, shouldn't either.
When you don't take the time to point out this sin in someone you are standing by and condoning it, making it seemingly acceptable in your eyes and the Lord's.
Going back to this- "Do unto others as you would have them do to you" Luke 6:31. Your heart needs to be open and willing to receive anything someone might have to say about YOU. Don't ever go to someone without having fully "checked yourself in the mirror", get into the word and saturate yourself with God and seek forgiveness. Those who are in the wrong never like to be told they're wrong, I know I don't! But I can't be made better until I know my areas of weakness.... I can't change unless I know in what ways I'm wrong. Love LGBT people enough to not stand back claiming to remain silent out of love for them, but instead go to them and in a Christlike way speak the truth...speak the word! That is the only thing guaranteed to never return void. You be the vessel and allow God to do the rest! I encourage you to be open and vocal when it comes to this issue because it's people's lives at stake. I know everyone deserves the love of God and I am going to do everything I can to ensure they're able to remain in His love for all eternity!
So my final question and thought to you is this:
Are you willing to help those who are sinking? You need to remember that the only way you can help others who are sinking is if you are NOT, so keep faithfully walking with the Lord. It doesn't matter what the world says or what people think of you, you do not have to be rude or pushy....you simply need to be willing, making yourself available to others in need, even if they doesn't realize they are. Stand up AGAINST homosexuality, stand up for Christ, stand strong AGAINST Satan and stand so that you may help those who have fallen...
-Taylor
