9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
Earlier in the chapter we read about being transformed by the renewing of our minds so that we can know God's will. So, as we set our course to follow Him and to walk in holiness, we have Scriptural admonition about walking with God in a culture where you encounter people who do not embrace Christ and even will denigrate you for holding Biblical beliefs. Later in Romans 12, it says: 17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
We are called to pursue a path of peace, but that does not mean we tolerate what God has called sinful. And, it doesn't mean that we put down people who are practicing sinful behavior. We all struggle in various areas, we are sinners, but we have a great Savior, and He gives us the ability to boldly proclaim strong moral principles, but also to be known for our compassion for others.
1st Peter 3 gives us some encouragement when we are faced with criticism or even persecution for our faith:
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.
It's well-known news by now in the sports world - Jason Collins, center for the Washington Wizards, announced that he is gay, in an article published in Sports Illustrated. Collins is being touted as the first player in a major men's sport to make such a declaration.
He related about his Christian upbringing and said, "I take the teachings of Jesus seriously, particularly the ones that touch on tolerance and understanding.”
So, Jason has, as he says, started the conversation. Well, he has to realize that those who are pushing the gay rights agenda in America are not interested in a "conversation". Jason has a right to his opinion and his practice, but by "coming out" in such a public way, he's playing right into the agenda of those who want to force people of faith and others to accept behavior that they view as morally objectionable. He could have, and has, kept his beliefs private - why is it important that he make that declaration?
And, we know that you express an opinion that is not supportive, you risk being labeled as bigoted or homophobic. Just ask ESPN analyst Chris Broussard. Here's what he said, and of course you know what the reaction might be:
Personally, I don't believe that you can live an openly homosexual lifestyle or an openly premarital sex between heterosexuals, if you're openly living that type of lifestyle, then the Bible says you know them by their fruits, it says that's a sin. If you're openly living in unrepentant sin, whatever it may be, not just homosexuality, adultery, fornication, premarital sex between heterosexuals, whatever it may be, I believe that's walking in open rebellion to God and to Jesus Christ..."And, he made a very strong statement about the fruit of someone claiming to be a believer in Christ:
"I would not characterize that person as a Christian because I do not think the Bible would characterize them as a Christian."He has a point, even though I might not have gone there in that context. I do appreciate how he not only singled out homosexual practice, but also other forms of sexual immorality which are taught against in Scripture. And, he joined the ranks of Christians in the NBA to which he referred who disagree with the lifestyle - he said that they do not want to be called bigoted or intolerant, which of course he is being called and more.
The Manhattan Declaration Facebook page gave this statement:
ESPN basketball analyst Chris Broussard was asked about Jason Collins' faith claims following his revelation that he is gay. Broussard, a man of faith and conviction, shared what the Bible says with patience and humility. As you can imagine, he's being attacked viciously for his views. Join me in sending a note to Chris thanking him for his courage!Be aware - here's the agenda - if you believe homosexuality is a sin, you will certainly face criticism from those who do not agree with you. Your right to disagree is no longer honored. Jason Collins wants to start a conversation, but if you don't agree with him and those who support his decision to "come out", calling it "courageous", then there are those who think you need to keep your opinions to yourself. Dan Cathy has experienced that, but that didn't keep him from developing a friendship with someone whose lifestyle he disagreed with. And, thousands across America stood with him and Chick-Fil-A on the subject of gay marriage.
Interesting that Tim Tebow's dismissal from the NFL happened on the same day - Collins replace Tim as the top sports story; however, Tebow was trending #1 overall on Google this morning. He has experienced being severely chastised for aligning himself with a church that teaches the traditional, mainstream Biblical view on sexuality. Greg Laurie, renowned and respected pastor and honorary chair of the National Day of Prayer this year, is facing criticism as being "anti-gay" because of his embracing of the Biblical view of homosexuality - and there are those who want to remove him from his leadership position, including participation in a Pentagon prayer breakfast.
And, we continue to be on the receiving end of an intentional effort to force beliefs on culture that run contrary to the teachings of the Bible. Even though the Boy Scouts do not ask what a potential member's sexual orientation is, those pushing for the Scouts to admit openly gay members - and even leaders - would like the practice of homosexuality to be open within the ranks of Scouting. So, it's not a private matter, as some would contend - there are people who want to force you to accept it. So who's really being tolerant here?
What's a Christian to do? Well, I do believe that we stand with and support those who express a Biblical opinion in the public square.
And, we continue to embrace Biblical truth on matters of sexuality. We have to be clear that this behavior is Scripturally unacceptable, but we also have to do so in a manner that wins and does not repel. We can start and engage in conversations and realize that in the course of dialogue, we can speak truth - in love. And, we live our lives in a manner that draws everyone to Jesus.
No comments:
Post a Comment