Court in Session

In Proverbs 4, we see a litany of principles that the author is passing down to the next generation:

10 Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, And the years of your life will be many.
11 I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths.
12 When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, And when you run, you will not stumble.
13 Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; Keep her, for she is your life.
14 Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not walk in the way of evil.

We need to adhere strongly to Biblical principles, and set an example for the generations to come about what it means to live in obedience to the Lord.  The Bible sets the standards for behavior that is acceptable to God, and clearly calls out certain activities that are a violation of His commands and His heart.  In a culture that skews toward grace or tolerance, we also recognize that we are sinful people; when we miss the mark, our confession and humility open the door to true grace.

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In Romans 1, we can read a sobering passage about how God has allowed people to make errant choices and walk in open disobedience with regard to sexuality:
24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves,
25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature.
27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.

I have a question about the world of professional tennis - who holds the record for the most Grand Slam titles?  Is it Serena Williams?  Roger Federer?  Or, perhaps John McEnroe, Martina Navritilova or Billie Jean King?

Actually, it is Margaret Court, who has 24 titles to her name, according to a piece on CNSNews.com. The article goes on to say that "she won more major tennis titles than any other player in history, with numerous wins at the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and U.S. Open. She was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1979. "

She has an arena named after her at the Australian Open.  She is indeed a legend of the game, but some of her fellow retired players want to have her name removed.  Why would that be?  Is it because she has engaged in some sort of immorality?  No, she's involved in Christian ministry in Australia.  Did she say or do something that would be dishonoring to the sport?  No.

Here it comes - Margaret Court believes that marriage is between a man and a woman.  The article says that:

During an interview with Vision Christian Radio on May 31, Court said, “Tennis is full of lesbians. Even when I was playing there were only a couple there, but those couple that led took young ones into parties. And what you get at the top is often what you’ll get right through that sport.”

She added that she had "nothing against homosexuals – as individuals, they can do what they want to do – but my belief as a Christian is marriage the Bible way. And I think it’s sad that these people are using that to try to hit below the belt.”

So, for that, her former competitors: King and Navratilova, both lesbians, want to have her name removed from the arena.  She accuses them of "bullying."

She also has taken aim at an anti-bullying program in Australian schools.  According to the CNS piece:

"The gay lobby is behind that bullying program in schools," she said, "and children not knowing, whether they are taking out a ‘he’ or a ‘she’ and an ‘it’ and a ‘we’ or ‘they,’ and if you feel like being a girl you can dress like a girl. I think, ‘what confusion for a child.' I get confused talking about it."

“There is a whole plot in our nation and in the nations of the world today to get the minds of the children," said Court.

So, Margaret Court believes homosexuals "can do what they want to do."  In other words, she could be considered "tolerant" of their behavior, right?  But...she also believes - strongly - that it is anti-Biblical behavior.  So Court emphasizes individual choice, even though it's sinful.  But King and Navratilova believe they can practice what they wish, but don't believe that Court has the right to disagree with it?  And, they want to take it one step further and dishonor her by having her name removed from the arena?  That is a classic definition of "double standard."

Such is life with the so-called "gay lobby," as Court refers to it.  There are those who want to make the choice to engage in sinful behavior and expect everyone else to endorse it.  And, beyond that, they seek to punish those who don't.

A few talking points here:

First of all - God wired each of us with individual choice.  We cannot expect everyone else to act Biblically; why, we don't always obey the Scriptures.  But, just as each person has that right to choose life or death, sin or righteousness, we have the right to disagree with the behavior of others that doesn't line up.  So, ideally, as human beings, we should give each other the grace to disagree with us. That's not in the vocabulary or practice of some who accept homosexual behavior as somehow being OK.

Margaret Court is apparently very concerned that the gay lifestyle is something that is being modeled for the next generation - the "young ones."  She rightly talks about this philosophy getting into the "minds of the children."  That's why we have to be concerned about and contend for that generation with truth that is consistent with the Scriptures.  I would dare say there is a concerted effort here, and Court's warning should not go unheeded.  We must be devoted to pursuing righteousness - that means with regard to homosexuality and a host of other sins about which the Bible teaches.

Homosexuality is definitely not the "crown jewel" in the hierarchy of sinful behaviors.  It's just something that has become such a cultural issue, since there is the element of people wanting to punish others with whom they disagree.  And, in the church, it is unfortunate that you have had leaders who want to single out LGBT issues for special treatment - and protection.  You have had popular writers and churches who have lamented the Church's lack of sensitivity to that community. Fact is, all sin is an abomination to God, and in the Church and our personal relationships, it's important that we speak the truth about sin and about God's grace.  Homosexuality is not a lifestyle choice to be accommodated, but a sin from which people need deliverance.

For information on a recent attempt by an Orlando church to incorporate acceptance of the LGBT philosophy, click here for a CBN article.