Thoughts From My Husband

Tonight my husband said ten words to me I never expected to hear, "Honey, I want to write a guest post on your blog." I immediately began imagining several different post ideas he might have about our family, our love, or something cutesy and fun like that. Little did I know what heaviness the Lord had been laying on his heart lately.

It is with great honor, and admittedly a little reserve, that I bring to you his thoughts on this controversial topic. I love and respect my husband dearly and fully agree with his perspective, though I often remain quiet on the subject.

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So as I have been driving to work over the past several months I have seen several billboards dealing with the topic of homosexuality. These billboards spaces have been purchased by churches to get a message across. One of the billboards was from a church whose denomination I won’t mention because it’s not that important. On the billboard it said "We believe being gay is a gift from God".  This same church put out another billboard that said "Making a place at gods table regardless of sexual orientation or gender." The reason I’m writing this post is because it is a topic that seems to be more prevalent in today's society than ever before. Is being gay a sin? Are people born gay? I have had many things swirling around my mind as never before regarding this topic and just writing about it may cause a firestorm, which I am ok with even though that is not my intention.

The Book of Romans chapter 1:18-31 says the following:

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

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.

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality,[c] wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving,[d] unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

It is very clear, according to God’s word, that what the church stated in their billboard is indeed false. Being gay is not a gift from God but actually a judgment.  This scripture is very clear and in no way is it fuzzy or able to be misinterpreted.  Homosexuality is seen as a shameful act in the site of God as shown in verse 27.  When a person is living in sin (any sin) without question they either want to cover it up or make it acceptable so they no longer have to feel the shame they once had. I believe this what is behind the push now days by gay activists for rights and to deem it as something that is out their control. If it is something that is deemed out of their control they can cure their conscience of acts that are clearly wrong in the site of God.  Homosexuality is something that is called shameful in the sight of God we are certainly not born that way but rather those who practice such things choose that direction for themselves. 

People love to stand up for other people when they feel they are being persecuted against or bullied, which is highly commendable. If you see someone getting bullied or picked on in school, naturally it's in most people to come to the defense of the individual that is getting hurt or treated unfairly. Same thing could be said in the work place. If you feel that someone is being unfairly treated at work, you would want to stick up for that person. But is it OK to stand up for someone who is in the wrong?  One of the most discussed topics in the bible is loving others, but real love requires truth to be spoken. If you have a homosexual friend show him real love and point out his wrongdoing in love, don’t sugarcoat everything and endorse his sinful life thinking you are being a loving friend. God is a god of love, but also our Just Judge. If someone is caught in sin whether its homosexuality or anything else for that matter we should not be ashamed to speak up against it. It says in Galatians 6:1 this:  1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. I like this verse because it also warns you to be careful yourself and not think too highly of yourself. It is clear that speaking the truth to them is what a Christian ought to do in a humble and loving manner, not in a hostile or proud manner.

There is a balance that must be achieved in truth and love. Today we tend to go too far to one side or the other, favoring the love characteristic of our Savior and not understanding the Holy God who judges us. Or, on the opposite side of things, being angry and/or hostile to those who are caught in sin and not recognizing and confessing our own sins. There are those who speak up against such things as homosexuality but love is excluded from the process. Because of these extremes the church gets a black eye and it pains those who try their best to live according God's word.

It is a horrible thing to see some churches embracing things that are contrary to God and because of the measure of this in today's society I believe that judgment will be coming to our country if we continue on in the same manner we are. A holy God, even in his grace, cannot withhold his wrath forever.

As we continue on in this direction as a country and a world for that matter, I believe Christians will be persecuted greatly for their stance on this topic. Many will cave in and call homosexuality acceptable as we have already seen, but for those who stand up firm against it and don’t deny the faith, their beliefs will be seen as hatred and bigotry, and I believe it will be illegal to speak up against those who are homosexual and eventually it will be considered a hate crime. Pastors will be forced by the government to marry homosexuals or face penalties. I’m dreading the day where we cannot speak freely what we believe without repercussion, but God is in control.

If you disagree with me, you are welcome to, I choose to believe what scripture says and I believe it as truth. As Joshua 24:15 says:  "But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD"