New post over at Providential Irony, continuing the series we’ve been working on this week. Go check it out here:“So that no one may boast”
If you follow me over here, I’d really appreciate you following the new blog. I plan to eventually fade this one out. Thanks for reading!
So, first off a confession. This really isn’t so much a post about Amendment One-I just knew if I titled it that, I’d get a lot of hits.
This post is though, related to the nature of the discussion surrounding what the Amendment is primarily about…Gay marriage.
First off, calling Christians who have biblical and theological convictions regarding gay marriage ‘hateful and bigoted’ is not beneficial. If Christians speak up on the issue, and voice their support for the said amendment, or speak of their convictions about homosexual marriage…It is called hate speech. Why? Isn’t name calling and false accusations much more hateful than simply stating your convictions and why you believe marriage ought to be between one man and one woman? Look, I believe the Bible defines marriage as one man and one woman. That doesn’t mean I hate gay people. It doesn’t mean I don’t believe gay people in a consenting, monogamous, committed relationship should have no rights.
It simply means what I say it means. I believe God, in the Bible, defines marriage as one man, one woman.
Second, and this is really related to the first. The tone of this discussion must change. Name calling, labeling, demonizing the other side, and lowering arguments to the lowest common denominator is unfair. This is a complicated issue on both sides. To say it isn’t is ridiculous. Whatever our opinions or convictions…whatever good points we have to make…and there are good points on both sides…must be made with respect and love. I think both sides ultimately want what they think is best for America and it’s citizens. Many of us have differing opinions. That doesn’t give us the right to talk down or insult each other. This won’t help either side…it will only serve to further polarize our country on this issue. Which is good for no one.
Third, and this is for you Christians. Only God can change hearts and only God and his Gospel will ultimately save. It is not up to us to save America or the World. Certainly we should preach the Bible in it’s fullness. I believe we should openly talk about the sin of homosexuality…but that isn’t all we should talk about. The Bible speaks of many sins…and many sins that are sexual in nature. Elevating homosexuality to the sin of all sins or the unforgivable sin is not biblical nor is it helpful in light of the current discussion. We are to love our neighbors…all of our neighbors…even our gay neighbors. Oftentimes it seems to me like we are trying to win the culture war by being just as loud or louder than the other side. This isn’t going to win us anything. All it does is plays up to the stereotypes we already have as hate mongers. Constantly telling people what you are against, rather than what you are for…Constantly talking about other peoples sin as opposed to loving people gets us nowhere.
Again, this is not a call to sugar coat sin. But it is a call to remember where our priorities are to be. All things are to be done with love and respect. We don’t have to agree with everyone, but we do have to love everyone…even in their sinfulness. God did that for us, and it is our call as Christians to do the same for others. Ultimately, as I’ve said it is not our job to save anyone. That job belongs solely to God, and He is quite good at it.
Whether this amendment passes or not…people are still going to be gay. If we pass the amendment, yet people continue in their sin, do we count this a win? Instead of using all of our energies on protesting, and trying to change and influence legislation…perhaps we should devote more time to preaching and living the Gospel. Because ultimately the Gospel is the only thing that is going to change anyone.
This past week my wife took a day trip with the kids. I was able to enjoy a silent Sunday. It was wonderful. Now, don’t get me wrong…I love my wife, I love my kids. I love spending time with them…but I long for days of silence. Before marriage and kids I had many of them. These days, not so much. I wouldn’t go back if I could. But still deep within my soul, I long for days of quiet…days of rest…I know I’m not alone.
Isn’t this a part of God’s design? Is God not the one who instituted the Sabbath? Is God not the one who in fact served as our very first example of how to keep the Sabbath?(Genesis 2:2-3)
This longing, or better yet, this need for rest…was God’s idea.
The Sabbath is meant to be a beautiful gift of rest to God’s people. A time to get away from the slavery of activity that we are all so subject to…Not only that, but the Sabbath is meant to be a reminder of the rest that we all have in Christ.
Now I’m not talking about a legalistic approach. I’m not talking about counting steps to and from places to define what is work. I’m not talking about not being able to cook, flip on a light switch, or leave your home. That is silliness, and completely contrary to the idea of Sabbath. These things are just work redefined.
I’m talking about time away from our regular routines…Time to take a time out…Time to rest…Time to think about, meditate, and enjoy the things of God. Sabbath can even be a time to spend enjoying your family…
But sometimes…we need the solitude. Sometimes we just need a break. Again, I think it is a part of the natural order of things. We were made to long for this.
So, why do we feel so guilty for it? Why do I feel so guilty for it? Why am I made by others to feel guilty for it? Why do people question me when I talk about these things?
Because the natural order of things is all messed up. Sin…
Things have been turned upside down. Activity is valued over inactivity. Doing is valued over non-doing. Noise is valued over quiet. Work is valued over rest.The workaholic is applauded…the one who ‘stops to smell the flowers’ is laughed at, or chided as being a dreamer, or even worse called slothful. Being amongst crowds is celebrated. Solitude is ‘weird’…’uncomfortable’…
Now, work is good…and is certainly a part of the natural order of things. BUT, there is also a time to take a break. There is also a time to relax. Part of the beauty of the Sabbath is that we stop worrying about our needs and our own self dependence, and give those over to God and allow Him to provide. It is an exhibition of faith.
Silence is a gift from God…a chance to listen to God… I long for that.
Solitude is a gift from God…a chance to be with God…I long for that.
And that’s okay.
