HAPPY LGBT MONTH
By Greg Chandler
It’s the stuff of email nightmares. A glaring subject line announces something to the effect of “Presidential Proclamation – Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month.” The body of the email then elaborates how a president of the United States has designated the month of June to proclaim how “LGBT Americans have made, and continue to make, great and lasting contributions that continue to strengthen the fabric of American society.”
As the email continues, quotes from this president encourage all Americans to put bigotry aside and fully work for those of the LGBT community so that they may obtain universal rights by ending discrimination shown to this group.
Sadly, this is no email. This message cannot be put in the junk bin with those accusing Proctor & Gamble of supporting devil worship or explaining how scuba gear was found in the middle of the desert. The above message is no contrived story created by its writer to see just how far such fallacies will circulate. The above message is taken from the Presidential Proclamations signed by U.S. President Barack Obama proclaiming June of both 2009 and 2010 as LGBT pride month. The proclamations were posted on the White House’s official website and seek to legitimize the sinful practice of homosexuality and present it as both normal and acceptable. As well, it seeks to make those who take a stand against such actions appear as out of touch, bigoted, and homophobic.
How do Christians living in the United States deal with this issue? Are those who do not support such actions really standing in the way of civil rights for a mistreated and alienated group? A growing number of those who consider themselves religious are answering yes to the previous question. Changing attitudes are being witnessed in many major denominations as they welcome active participants of the LGBT community into their membership, with no changes of lifestyle expected. As pagans of past generations, some claiming to wear the name of Christ have surrendered their convictions and openly accepted those who participate in such actions.
How, though, do Christians truly seeking to follow the ways of God respond? As with any moral issue, it must be examined in light of the Scriptures. Christians must understand what God expects. In this regard, please consider the following in relation to this issue:
- Remember that this issue deals with sin. While some may seek to minimize it simply as a lifestyle choice, the Apostle Paul takes a much different view. To the Romans, Paul wrote the following: “For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.” (Romans 1: 26-27). What was sin in the first century is sin in the twenty first century. No amount of gloss can change this.
- God desires for members of this group to be saved. People have odd ways of dealing with sin. Often, sins that do not pose personal temptations are classified as more despicable and vile than others. For example, an individual who does not face strong temptation to practice homosexuality may rail against this sin, while excusing his or her own weakness toward gossip and backbiting. One sin is viewed as horrible, while the other is perhaps not even considered a sin at all. God wants mankind to be pure in every regard – to be holy as He is holy. This means putting away all sin and encouraging others to do the same. Just as God desires the gossiper to stop gossiping, He desires the homosexual to leave his or her immorality. Remember the words of Peter when he wrote “The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (II Peter 3:9) God also expects Christians to actively work to help those involved in this sin to turn from their ways. As with any sinner, Christians must work to “pull out of the fire” those who have given sway to this wickedness in their lives. Certainly some in Corinth would give a hearty amen to this! (see I Corinthians 6:9-11)
- Children must be trained to know the truth. The LGBT movement has taken aim at changing the attitudes of young children with alarming success. As early as kindergarten, some school systems have sought to provide teaching that illustrates approval of this lifestyle. Television programs and movies that appeal to younger audiences seek to portray homosexuals as well accepted. Sadly, music celebrities have made kissing someone of the same sex an onstage commonality in their concerts. As with any sin, Christian parents must not be naïve and dismissive. They must take stands to teach the truth. While past generations may not have had to teach their children that dating someone of their on sex is wrong, a new generation of parents must actively work against what modern society is seeking to indoctrinate in youth.
- This world is not our home. Christians must be careful not to allow themselves to believe this world is getting better. Americans have been very blessed to live in a society that has at least paid lip service to “Christian” values. Even now, some U.S. leaders take strong stands on moral issues. These are times of joy when those in public office use their positions to give glory to God. However, a good dose of “Christian pessimism” must always be present. Satan has and will continue to work hard to end any semblance of public godliness. Christians need to understand this and accept the fact that moral decline has been the precedent with every society in the history of the earth. As leaders begin vocalizing acceptance of anti-godly behavior, Christians can simply remember that being “strangers and pilgrims” on this earth means that a better home awaits. This means that Christians must not grow unduly alarmed when such wickedness as the above mentioned proclamation avails. As the Apostle Paul wrote his condemnation of homosexuality, Nero ruled in Rome. While the information is a bit foggy, most historians agree that Nero was involved in homosexuality, with some stating that he actually married one or two other men. Paul did not encourage Christians to lose heart. He simply reminded them of the wickedness of this practice, reminded them that all men have sinned, and reminded them that a better place was awaiting those faithful to God. As Americans, Christians in the U.S. should take opportunities to speak out against this sin and support leaders who will do the same. Ultimately, though, Christians must not grow despondent, but rather focus on a homeland where no evil can invade its borders.
There is no happiness in LGBT month. It saddens those faithful to the Lord to see their earthly country heading down a road of ruin. Christians, however, must not despair. While earthly leaders may disappoint and their fellow men may throw aside all vestiges of godliness, better times are coming. Christians can take heart that they serve a Leader who always knows right from wrong. They serve a Leader who will welcome them home to a land where godliness reigns. Every Christian must remember this and every Christian must work to bring others to this knowledge – no matter what sin those others may practice. There may be no happiness in LGBT month, but there will be great rejoicing when the righteous hear “welcome home, you good and faithful servant.”