The Supreme Court decision legalizing homosexual unions no doubt casts a weight of discouragement over us. Not because we are bigots or hate homosexuals (we’re not, we don’t), but because the attempt to redefine marriage is impossible, wrong and devastating to family and society, opening a Pandora’s box of immorality.
We can’t redefine an institution God created, anymore than we can redefine the law of gravity. And when a society calls “good” what God has called “evil”, God’s wrath and judgement is imminent. (Isaiah 5:20)
But it has been imminent. In fact, we are living in a society where the weakest members can legally be murdered. That’s judgment. The legalization of homosexual unions is just one of many outward demonstrations, through the years, of our rejecting God’s truth. We ought not get so bent out of shape about this one thing unless we are willing to acknowledge and repent of our compromise in other areas. We also need to admit that gross compromises start with subtle ones, ones we ourselves have been guilty of.
God hates a lot of things, including slander, pride, lying, greed and idolatry. He hates divorce and he hates the exploitation of the weak. He hates injustice and murder, and he hates those who cause conflict within the Body of Christ.
He hates what we’ve done to marriage, and He hates when Christians don’t live with eternal perspective, living only for our happiness, treating children like more of a burden than a heritage. And He hates when we abdicate our job of discipling them.
He hates when those who bear the name of Christ don’t love Him with their lives.
As I think about my job as a mother, the weight of raising children who I pray will grow up and be courageous followers of Christ, I recognize a greater need than ever to be resolved. To be steadfast and immovable. To keep short accounts of my own sins, to cry out and ask the Lord to show me ALL the things he hates and to repent of them.
What we need now is faithful Christians.
Those who are broken for the lost, willing to fight on their knees for their enemies. Willing to love enough to speak the truth. I can both love you and tell you when something is a sin against God. In fact, that is the only way I can really love you. And we owe it to each other to love this way. To receive correction and to not confuse love with tolerance.
I want my children to have an unmitigated passion for truth, and yet cry for the lost and long to see them repent. Real love does win. It already has, on the cross. It is already finished, and we know how the story ends. And those who refuse to repent–His enemies–will one day be put under His feet and victory will be won. Nothing can change that.
Let’s help our children understand the Gospel, His desire for the lost to repent, and His perfect love which demands ultimate justice for those who don’t.
Practical ways to fight the good fight:
Pray fervently.
Love your husband/wife.
Remember that we are living for something bigger than today.
Be faithful to teach your children the Word of God, and strive to live it.
Love your neighbor.
Let God’s Word permeate ALL of life, every decision and every motive.
Don’t compromise the truth. Don’t rely on feelings to dictate what is right. If we mutate Truth, we eradicate our entire purpose as humans.
Love in word and deed. You’ll still be hated by the enemies of God. It’s forecasted. Prepare your children for that irony.
God is writing a Story, just as He has been throughout all of history. In it, there is redemption and sorrow, judgement and mercy. We are called to one thing: to be a faithful participant in the Story, to represent our Author well, to show forth His glory and live obedient lives.
“…for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.” Proverbs 24:16
Don’t miss “I’m Not One to Say I Told You So” for a closer look at our own blame.
53 comments
I love what President John Adams said on June 2, 1778, “From all that I have read of history and government of human life and matters, I have drawn this conclusion, that the manners of women were the most infallible barometer to ascertain the degree of morality and virtue in a nation. All that I have since read and all the observations I have made in different nations have confirmed me in this opinion. The manners of women are the surest criterion by which to determine whether a Republican Government is practicable in a nation or not. The Jews, the Greeks, the Romans, the Swiss, the Dutch, all lost their public spirit, their Republican principles and habits and their Republican forms of government when they lost the modesty and domestic virtues of their women.” Can you even imagine a President saying it in today’s culture?
Wow, wow, wow. No I can’t. But it is strikingly profound.
Wow!!! Thanks for sharing that quote! And great article Kelly!
I’m no feminist, and I certainly understand the importance of women embracing modesty and domestic virtues, but something about this quote isn’t sitting right with me. Maybe it’s his frequent use of the word “all” (emphasis mine):
“From all that I have read…All that I have since read and all the observations I have made…all [the afore-mentioned cultures] lost their public spirit…when they lost the modesty and domestic virtues of their women.”
Also, “the most infallible barometer…” and “the surest criterion…” Strong statements, those, regarding women and the impact we have (which, yes, I know we do), but there isn’t a lot of wiggle room with those superlatives in there.
I’m not saying I think Adams is necessarily laying the full blame at the feet of women for “the [low] degree of morality and virtue in a nation,” but I would like to know the larger context from which this quote was drawn, if anyone can provide that information. What role, if any, does he believe the men played in these cultures he calls out?
This quote, in and of itself, is heavy-handed on women, IMO, and needs more context for a reader to better ascertain the accuracy of Adams’ conclusion. Yes, we have a huge responsibility as women, and what we do or don’t do impacts the culture, but the same is true of men.
I understand you are addressing women at a blog that speaks to women, so maybe you don’t feel that anything needs to be said about men and their roles in the culture. But I still would like to know more about where this quote came from. I think if I knew the context, I would feel more of the exhortation and encouragement that was probably intended.
Thank you.
Unbelievable, 6 Arrows, but I have had the very same thoughts swirling in my brain, hoping to do the research on the context of this quote. I am no feminist either, and believe a woman’s influence in her home and society is far-reaching. However, it is not supreme.
Glad I’m not the only one!
It is from his autobiography and he is discussing his travels abroad. A Google search will take you to the book if you put John Adams with “manners of women” in quotation marks.
Thank you, Annie. I bookmarked the second site that came up and have it on my reading list.
You put it so perfectly. Well done!
What a difference going from reading this post to another I just read that was written by someone else who professes to be a Christian but has so clearly made the world’s ways her own. I left a comment that will probably earn me some enemies, but I get so upset when I see people using God’s Word to meet their own agendas. If anyone is interested in reading it (and hopefully commenting), here is the link.
http://www.jennifermcgrail.com/2015/06/to-my-fellow-christians-after-the-supreme-court-ruling/
Thank you, Shelly. Quite amazing.
Our pastor made a distinction between professing Christians and confessing Christians yesterday. Many profess to be a Christian, but not all confess that Jesus is Lord and submit fully to Him.
I couldn’t even finish reading at the link you gave. Too frustrating.
I couldn’t finish it the first time, either, but I kept feeling like I NEEDED to say something. There may be new Christians or seekers who read her blog, and I didn’t want them to get their theology from her without also reading what the Bible REALLY says.
Wow Shelly I just read that link you posted, what an AMAZING post! Yes, your comment will earn you some enemies, and rightly so.
Firstly, if you read the King James version of the Bible the words used are very different to what you posted, and are open to very different interpretation to your quote. Using a modern translation of the Bible means mans interpretation of things interferes with the original text, and the original meaning.
Secondly, back in the Bible days, it is possible that homosexuality was a choice that was practiced specifically as a sin. These days, thanks to genetic mutation, artificial hormones added to food and myriad other issues, homosexuality is NOT a choice. It is simply how someone is. I was born with a neurological disorder, God made me that way. Others are born gay – God made them that way. When you look at the Bible in context, the verses referring to “natural use” are changed completely – same-sex relationships are as natural to homosexuals as different-sex relationships are to heterosexuals.
It was explained to me like this (by a Bible scholar): Sin is a heart issue – two people can do the exact same thing, one may be sinning, the other may not be – the difference is in their attitude. If God pricks our conscience and we ignore it, we are sinning.
Kelly,
You need to read this, and do some research about the topic. http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/you-are-whatand-howyou-read
Thanks for that link Kelly. I have done a LOT of research on the topic and I have spoken to a great many Bible scholars of many different denominations, and I stand by what I believe. I find it so incredibly sad that there are so many people who are spreading intolerance and hatred, and then wondering why it is that “Christians” have such a bad name. If Jesus was to return to earth today, I wonder what His reaction would be to all this?
Kelly,
We don’t have to guess at what Jesus’ return will be like. It’s written throughout Scripture and it is a fearful thing for the ungodly. Jesus hated sin. And he said if we don’t hate it too, we shall have no part with him. That simple.
“But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.
4 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment; 5 if he did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven others, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly; 6 if by turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes he condemned them to extinction, making them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly;[c] 7 and if he rescued righteous Lot, greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked 8 (for as that righteous man lived among them day after day, he was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard); 9 then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, 10 and especially those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority.
Bold and willful, they do not tremble as they blaspheme the glorious ones, 11 whereas angels, though greater in might and power, do not pronounce a blasphemous judgment against them before the Lord. 12 But these, like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed, blaspheming about matters of which they are ignorant, will also be destroyed in their destruction, 13 suffering wrong as the wage for their wrongdoing. They count it pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions, while they feast with you. 14 They have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin. They entice unsteady souls.” 2 Peter 2:1-14
If the Lord declared in Leviticus that it is an abomination worthy of death for “a man to lie with a man”, that sin was never revoked but instead repeated int he NT, how can any sane person claiming to be a Christian “reinterpret” Scripture?
It’s a telling revelation of more Scripture: “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.”
The article on that link you sent, Kelly, is written by a lesbian (for those who didn’t read it). She says she was born that way, it seems natural for her. Yet she felt the need to “repent” for the way God made her. Why? Why? Why? Why? That is what I will never understand – if being gay is a sin, my neurological disorder must be a sin too, but it ISN’T. I can serve God with my disorder perfectly well – He made me, He understands. He made gay people too, and He understands them. If homosexuality was such a sin, God wouldn’t make homosexuals.
That’s where you’re confused. God doesn’t create thieves but say it’s a sin to steal. He doesn’t create homosexuals either, and then say it’s a sin. He made us all lustful creatures, did he not, who left to our own passions would commit fornication, infidelity, etc.? He created us that way but still says it’s a sin to commit immorality. I’ve seen people who thought they were born gay be redeemed and realize later they were not born that way, only led to believe they were. Pedophiles would argue the same thing, by the way, and are already. There is no end to that kind of incorrect reasoning. I have compassion for people who struggle with the gay lifestyle. I have very close associations with some. I know the struggle. But God’s Word is true and I know He makes a way for us to be redeemed from our sinful desires.
Thank you, Kelly, for this comparison, and the Scripture you shared right above it. So very helpful!
Being born gay is a huge deception! People are not born gay, it is a choice. I know. I was involved with many women before getting saved. If one is born gay and can’t help it, then perhaps one is born a pedophile and can’t help it. We have a choice.
Another thing is the false assumption that we hate what we don’t agree with and that we’re spreading hate. Most certainly not. The only horrible, insulting slanders I hear are being thrown at Christians.
I agree.
The gay people that I know, were definitely born gay. Maybe it is a choice for some – and in that case it would be a sin – but those I know personally, and what I’ve been taught when I trained in psychology – is that people are born gay, transgender … whatever. And when you look at what we are putting in our bodies, all the artificial hormones in food, water, and birth control pills, it really isn’t all that surprising. Maybe people weren’t born gay in Bible days as there wasn’t the artificial hormones then. The sin of homosexuality as described in the Bible refers to choosing to sin in this way.
As for pedophiles, yes – they are born with it to a degree, but it is more of a mental-illness type thing which can be treated. The way pedophilia comes about is both a genetic and environment thing, as well as choices, which is why treatment is not always successful, as the outcome depends on the mindset of the person undergoing treatment – but if the person chooses to be rehabilitated, it can be very successful. Being gay can not be “fixed”. I know several people who hid their homosexuality for many years, getting married and having children, but it caught up with them eventually. Some of them have chosen to remain single, others have not.
Here in NZ the Presbyterian church (I think that’s who it was, it’s a big mainstream religion anyway) has had gay pastors for many years. We have also had at least one transgender MP.
If you truly want to help people, don’t judge them. The Bible warns against that. Love them, accept them, embrace them wholeheartedly, as they are. Pray for them. Their sins are none of anybody else’s business – we have sins of our own to work on before pointing out anyone elses – our sins are between us and God. He is the only one who knows the state of our heart.
Justamom,
This: “Another thing is the false assumption that we hate what we don’t agree with and that we’re spreading hate.”
That bothers me, too, that we’re accused of that so often (though not by all engaging in homosexual practice — I know one person — a lesbian — who acknowledges someone she knows as being against the homosexual lifestyle but is in no way hateful when communicating that).
And I think you are largely correct in saying that we Christians are not spreading hate and throwing insults at homosexuals.
However, there is a small minority, apparently (though I haven’t witnessed it), who is acting hatefully toward homosexuals, and that is sad. (I am thankful to see that no one on this thread has been exhibiting that kind of militant, strident carelessness in communicating her views against homosexual practice.)
This is a great article that speaks to the issue of how “the two sides” communicate with each other. The author rightly points out that this “two camps” idea is a misguided view. A true follower of Christ will walk neither path:
http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/why-homosexuality-is-not-like-other-sins
Thanks for your comment. I was thinking similarly.
You described that well.
The only people who claim to be Christians that I have seen acting hatefully towards homosexuals are the Westboro Baptists. There may be more, but those are the only ones I am familiar with. And I wouldn’t call them your “typical” Christian.
I would be happier if gay couples were only allowed to wed via Civil Union rather than marriage; as Kelly stated, marriage is a sacred thing, ordained by God. Civil Union gives same-sex couples all the legal rights of marriage, but keeps the sanctity of marriage intact.
Thank you, Kirsty.
Well said, 6 arrows. And thanks for the link. I had seen that earlier and meant to read it.
Thanks, Kelly. And DesiringGod has great stuff at their site, don’t they?
Justamom, that took courage! I so appreciate you sharing from your own personal experience. It helps me so much in my effort to understand those I love who are gay.
You have a wonderful gift in your clarity and grace when you explain things like this. All I can say is- Yeah! What she said!
Count me, Ms. Dawson, as another one who is praying for you. You have been sadly and wrongly counseled by “Biblical scholars.” I pray the Spirit leads you to the Light. You don’t see Him yet. It is tragic that you think you do.
The KJV is not the original text. (The Bible wasn’t written in English). It also was interpreted by man. I did what you said, though, and I looked up Romans 1:26-27.
“For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet.”
I don’t see much room for interpretation.
Shelly – I never said the King James Version was the “original” Bible, I said it was very different to the modern version you quoted. NOTHING in those words you quoted from the KJV are against same-sex marriage. I’m really not sure how someone could read those words and come to the conclusion you seem to have come to.
Maybe it helps that I live in New Zealand and we’re a liberal lot over here. We were the first country in the world to give women the vote, the first country to have women in the top 3 positions of power simultaneously, and we legalized gay marriage years ago.
I’ve loved reading Large Families on Purpose, and this Generation Cedar blog. But honestly, the comments on here really are a bit much. I’m sure I can find something more productive to do with my time than continue to argue with close-minded bigots who can’t see the forest for the trees.
I loved this: “Real love does win. It already has, on the cross. It is already finished, and we know how the story ends.” Amen. The hope that we have, and the answer to any earthly discouragement and despair we may feel, lies in the gospel.
An acquaintance shared the following quote today that also gives a hopeful perspective when we may feel tempted to despair about earthly matters like the recent Supreme Court decisions. Lengthy, but good reading.
“Here is an email a friend sent concerning last week’s SCOTUS decision:”
“So, keep looking up. God is in control.”
Love. This. What an encouragement!
I’m glad you were encouraged by this, Claudia! I was, too, when I first saw it, as I sometimes get overly worried about cultural matters and take my eyes off my Source of true peace. I know several other Christians who read it at the same place I did commented how much it blessed them, so I thought I would pass it along. My Sunday morning Bible study friends are the next recipients on my list. 🙂
I’m unable to edit my comment, but it’s not clear. The second paragraph is the borrowed part – the rest of it is my own.
Dear Kelly,
I am blessed by the way you have Biblically and lovingly shared the Truth. The fact is that the road is narrow and that “those who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted”, you know this. You have served as an example to the “younger women” of purity and self-control. I read no contempt in your comments, only a passionate holding-to and proclamation of the truth of the Gospel. I appreciate your bold (and loving) stand for truth.
Titus 2:11-14
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
Thank you, Natalie, for that encouragement. That is my desire. (“Kirsty” was Kelly Dawson, by the way.)
Excellent Bible verse, Natalie. Very appropriate to this discussion.
And thank you, Kelly, for your defense of the Truth. It is important, and you do it well and graciously.
You know, my father-in-law and I had a good discussion this last spring in regard to whether or not my children will come to the Lord and faithfully serve Him. I get a little panicked when I see where our world is heading and know that sin will continually become more prevalent and that Satan works hard to make it all but impossible to follow Jesus. My FIL was waxing eloquent about God’s wrath & spoke some on predestination. This has always been a hard concept for me to grasp. I posed the question, “what if my children are not predestined?” I then explained, in tears, that this one fear, the fear of them not being written in the Book of Life, has me more upset than any other thing. As I talked about how it just seems so unfair and so unlike the loving & merciful God that we so often hear about, my FIL just listened. When I was done he simply asked me, “But what if they are?” Then he said, “THAT needs to be our focus. What if they are predestined and they just need to hear the Word?”
My conversation with my FIL made me realize one important thing: God is both loving AND full of wrath. They are equally important parts of Himself.
What does this have to do with the topic at hand?
God loves EVERYONE. And God expects the same thing from EVERYONE.
To repent & follow Him. To BELIEVE Him. No matter what we want to believe, His word is clear. We are to turn from our sin, no matter what form. WE do not get to decide what is or is not sin. It has already been decided. We simply get to decided whether or not to believe what He says.
For those that claim people are born gay, let me ask you this: If it is acceptable to God for same gendered people to have relations, then why did He give them anatomy that does not work together physically? Why not give them both parts?(this is NOT at all an attack on those rare few who are actually born with both male & female reproductive organs. And I think that nearly all would agree that this is an unfortunate & ABNORMAL occurrence and that it is regarded as a deformity)Just looking at the anatomy of men & women it seems quite clear that women were made to go with men.
And if you would like to further argue that one is born a homosexual, and if by BORN THAT WAY you mean, they are born with a sin nature & a free will, I guess I’d have to agree. And I suppose one could argue that God allowed us to have a sin nature therefore He made us a sinner but I know that I have NEVER been forced to sin. In fact, I would argue that while I was born with a sin nature, God in His great mercy, has gone above and beyond to give me a way out of sin. EVERY.TIME.
God turned his back on Jesus while he hung on that cross because the sin that He took upon Himself was so great. He did that for us.
Homosexuality is not the issue. It is whether or not we believe God.
And from some of the comments I see, I would venture to say that some do not.
Well said. That was amazing.
Heidi,
Thank you. Lots of truth here. When you said this, I almost got choked up: God turned his back on Jesus while he hung on that cross because the sin that He took upon Himself was so great. He did that for us.” JUST this morning, I was talking to my children about how we forget, in the story of the cross, that one thing that was harder to bear than the physical pain, the weight of the sins of the world and having His Father turn his back on him. A human cannot fathom that kind of love. That’s the kind of love that should cause us to fall to our knees and say, “What it is you desire from me?” Not, “I’ll do what I want and expect you to love me anyway.” Jesus didn’t die for that.
A timely and timeless graphic reminding us all of our need for our Savior:
http://adam4d.com/dont-hate/
Dear Kelly,
Your heart for the Lord, and your undying devotion to proclaim God’s truth, shine through SO clearly, for those who have ears to hear.
We here who love you, and there are many, witness how your deep love for Christ translates into action. Among other good fruit, you show love by pointing those in error to the Truth of the Word, to Jesus, in Whom is the only hope and peace that can be found.
You have planted many seeds of the blessed Gospel over the years here, Kelly, and I thank you for your tireless witness for Jesus.
The Lord loves you. Great is your reward in Him.
I do not like conflict either, but I have been blessed through this discussion. Kelly and 6 arrows, you have provided an example of a God-honoring way to lovingly stand for truth when talking with one who does not agree. Before, I was not sure what I would say when confronted with this issue. I know where I stand, but was not sure that I was equipped to defend my position clearly. Thank you for being willing to be hated for the sake of the Gospel. I pray the Lord would bless all the readers with the same ability to clearly and boldly articulate the truth in love!
Also, along with you, I pray for Kelly/Kristy’s eyes to be opened. Before I truly knew the Lord, I did not see any need of other’s prayers. Now, I would never turn down an offer of prayer! Praying and giving thanks to the Lord for you, my sisters in Christ!
Thank you, Natalie.
Thanks, Natalie. I’ve never actively participated in a discussion on homosexuality with anyone whose stance is different than mine, so this was a first for me.
However, I was blessed to be part of a Bible study last year, where we talked (or listened, in my case) about witnessing to people who are in favor of homosexual practice. Our pastor and two class members in particular had some of the most loving things to say about this whole subject that I’ve ever heard — showing compassion toward those who struggle with same-sex attraction, and giving great tips on how to lovingly confront anyone who is engaging in homosexual practice (or communicating truth to those who condone same-sex practice).
The distinction between same-sex attraction and same-sex practice, and how to minister lovingly in either case, no matter how it’s received, was clearly modeled by those who shared their thoughts and experiences in that area.
I am thankful for God’s provision in allowing me to be in that class, with such Godly role models He ordained. To God be the glory.
I completely agree with 6 arrows and Natalie. I also feel responsible for this even starting because I was the one who posted the link for the other blog, and that was what she originally responded to. I was truly only hoping to spread some truth. I’m sorry!
It’s not your fault, Shelly. Thank you.
Shelly,
Thanks for your participation on this thread. I thought your communications were honorable, and I was glad for the opportunity to speak up on this subject. (See my comment to Natalie above, at 11:38 a.m.).
Blessings.
Thank you. I would love if our church would hold a study like that. I think a lot of churches would do well to consider it in light of the current state of things. God bless you!
Thank you for clarifying that. It was confusing because of the same IP address and I just assumed the obvious.