One
of the most controversial issues in America today is the subject of gay
marriage. It is such a heated and divisive topic that many Americans try to avoid
discussing it all together. Even Christians struggle with their stance on gay
marriage. Many Christians do not want to take a side on the subject for fear of
antagonism from proponents of either side of the debate. However, Christians
should not have to struggle with taking a stance on the issue, as the Bible
gives clear instructions on the matter. Sadly, though, some Christians find
themselves, for any number of reasons, supporting gay marriage and
homosexuality in general. Many Christians feel pressured into accepting homosexuality,
for fear of oppression. This is the case with Christians in Seattle,
Washington, where gay marriage has recently been legalized. An article on this
issue states that, “believers in the Evergreen State worry about losing their
religious freedom and breaking new anti-discrimination laws unless they submit
to the gay agenda.” Furthermore, anti-Christian acts have already occurred in
other states where gay marriage has been legalized. Some of these acts are: “Homosexual activists terrorize pro-marriage rally. Homosexual
activists terrorize Boston church. Disruption of a church meeting of ex-gays by
blasting loud shrieking sounds through a church window.”
Despite this oppression, however,
Christians should not waver on their support of Biblical values of marriage. Jesus
told His people, “then shall they deliver you up unto tribulation, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.”
In a recent class discussion, we talked about intimacy with God, and how God
created marriage to mirror intimacy with Him. We were designed to experience physical,
emotional, and spiritual intimacy with God. We can only experience this
intimacy, in our human form, in a Christian marriage. The fall of man created a
separation between God and man, and between man and woman. We can only mend this
separation through the pursuit of Godly relationships. We cannot find
satisfaction or true intimacy through gay marriage or any other kind of ungodly
marriage or relationships. As Christians (who struggle with a higher divorce
rate than non-Christians) we should seek to
support the Biblical ideal for marriage and settle for nothing less, despite
any pressure to do otherwise.
Bethany, Thank you for your post. The legalization of homosexual marriage is a heated topic for most people today. It is disturbing that it is difficult for Christians to stand firm in what the Bible says. I will be the first to admit that at times, it just seems easier for me to ignore the problem instead of debate it with secular friends. However we are told that by being a follower of Christ we will face persecution. While this is not an easy thing to face, it is refreshing to know that the Lord will guide us as we proclaim His name. I think that it is important that as Christians we firmly know what we believe and why, and seek to tell others those truths. my motivation for sharing my beliefs is that, what if I am the only person that will stand up and show this person who Christ is. The Lord will equip us, we only need to be willing. Again thank you for the post and for the reminder that we need to stand up for Biblical values.
ReplyDeleteBethany, thank you so much for this post! It really spoke to me because I am the first to shrink back and hide from this topic for fear of being attacked and oppressed for supporting traditional, Christian marriage. I really appreciate your exhortation to stay strong and fight for what we know is right in this issue. I wholeheartedly agree that because marriage is intended to reflect our intimacy with Christ, it cannot be satisfying and truly intimate apart from His design for it. I love your quoting of Matthew 24:9 about being hated by all for His name's sake; it's a very powerful verse that I often forget. It's so important for us to work to maintain God-pleasing values (like in marriage) no matter the persecution we will endure! Thank you for this post!
ReplyDeleteI very much agree with your post on Christians not taking a stand against gay marriage. I also agree that the reason for this is the fear of taking a stand against it will be called hate. I was born in Canada and over the last few years my country has made it a law that if a preacher peaches against homosexuality it is considered a hate crime. This is sad for two reasons, one that the freedom of speech is being violated but also because of how many Christian, when they do speak out against gay marriage, the way they go about it. The Bible does plainly state that God made marriage to be shared between a man and woman only. However while God does state that homosexuality was not a part of His plan for humans, that does not mean Christians should go around hating people because they are gay. When Christian hate we push the lost further away from God. However in the say way we cannot be afraid to stand up for the moral standard God has given us
ReplyDelete