Gay Marriage is Law: My Two Major Concerns - Pt. 2

In part one of this post, I talked about religious liberty, and what impact the new gay marriage law might have on Christians (fundamentalist Christians) to openly express their faith. Here, I use the term fundamentalist as an all encompassing term to describe Christians of all denominations who believe that the bible is the inerrant Word of God. Non-fundamentalist Christians take a much broader approach to the faith and support issues such as gay marriage and abortion.  The same distinctions can be found in Judaism, with Orthodox Jews holding firm to the traditions set forth in the Torah, and other Jewish denominations being more liberal.  

Yes, I am concerned about the future of religious liberty for Christian fundamentalists, and indeed orthodox Jewish believers. Will they at some point be forced to remain silent on certain issues because of how they are informed by their faith?  This is a concern, but not my greatest concern.  My
greatest concern is that with gay marriage law, believers, specifically Christian believers, don't become disheartened, angry or isolated.  Yes, the Court's decision effectively changed the definition of marriage, but we knew it would eventually come. However, nothing changes the fact that God remains on His throne. And Jesus, through His sacrifice, offers eternal life to all.

Our engagement with the culture is required. Despite the lifestyle choices that people make, the Lord loves them and desires to be with them eternally.  So the question becomes, are we more commited to winning battles or winning souls?  Are we doing our best at representing Christ to a broken world?"   I'm not suggesting in any way that we should tweak or deny our beliefs so that we don't offend non-believers, nor should avoid political or social matters. In fact, it's just the opposite. We must stand firm in our beliefs.  But our beliefs must demonstrated more than dictated.

We can talk about what marriage is supposed to be, and quote scripture about how God designed and defined it, but let's also demonstrate it. The divorce rate for Christians, while lower than non-Christians is still too high. God's design and purpose for marriage applies to everyone.  We can battle a culture that continues to move further away from God with anger, protests and separation.  But will we win souls? Is there a way to better reflect Christ and still impact the culture? Yes. It begins with a focus on salvation. With that in mind, I think our approach to the issues, makes a dynamic shift...to the hearts people.

I have a friend that I've only known for about a year.  We've become quite close, and share personal things, yet he never told me that he's gay. One day he told me that a woman at work asked him if he went to church.  He told her that he didn't, nor did he believe in Jesus.  He said that she scolded him and warned him about the eternal damnation that awaited him.

We'd had casual conversations about God, but after his experience with the woman, I noticed there were fewer of them. I prayed often for a way to bring him to Christ. The only thing that kept coming to me was "love him."  Fast forward to last week.  My friend came up to me with a big smile on his face and said "I have something I want to tell you."  He didn't say anything, he just kept smiling.  So I said, "Well, go ahead."  He told me that he couldn't tell me because of my Christian beliefs. I explained to him that, "Yes, I'm a Christian and I'm also his friend", so whatever he wanted to tell me, I wanted to know.  He hesitated for a moment and then said, "I've found the love of my life.  His name is ____."  To be honest, I was stunned, mostly because the subject had never been directly addressed (over time, he had started saying things alluding to his being gay).

I told him that I was glad that he was happy.  And then I said , "Look, I am a Christian and I have my values.  I know you're a gay man.  I'm not going to turn my nose up at you.  You're my friend, and I love you. And I specifically choose that word...I love you."  Tears started streaming down his face, and then he just started sobbing. I hugged him and then he hugged me very tightly.  I said, "Listen to me, you are loved so much by the Lord, more than you can ever love yourself...more than anyone can ever love you.  Stop ignoring Him...He wants you to know Him."  My friend, with his face still buried in my shoulder nodded and said, "Ok. I've got to go."

A couple of days later, I was sitting in my car listening to a Christian talk show. It was the day the gay marriage bill passed.  A caller, who identified himself as both Christian and a celebate gay man, said something that really struck me.  He said that many gay people feel rejected and want to be accepted.  He said that he came to the Lord after finding a church that really showed him love.  He says he's still attracted to men, but is not sexually active.  He says that he spends lots of time with the Lord now, and is growing in Christ.

I continue to pray for my friend. I can't save him. But I can be the light that leads him to the Lord. I'm also praying for myself, that the Lord continues to open my heart to be sensitive to the spiritual needs of others and to give me the wisdom and boldness for bringing the good news of salvation.