Some of the hard changes we encounter are unavoidable, such as the death of a loved one. Others are self-inflicted due to thinking that we "know what we're doing'', only to find out that we actually don't. And still others are done willfully, with the intention that we forsake what is easy for something better, such as starting an exercise regime.
With that being said, there is another category of change that I have noticed. That is, that a person knows what is good, true, and right, but chooses to change their whole persona to go in the wrong direction. In this instance, I am referring specifically to the lifestyle of homosexuality.
When I went to Worldview Academy as a student, I got to know a lot of people my age. Two people I knew, both claiming to be Christians, were an encouragement to me, as well as a lot of other students. Both their testimonies and their apparent desire to serve God was admired and looked up to. When camp ended, I made it a point to stay in contact with them online through Facebook.
Then, over the next few years, I surprisingly began to notice a disturbing trend. Instead of focusing on what was godly and true, there began to be a noticeable leaning towards what God hates. Both of them embraced the homosexual movement through direct participation and denial of God. Ultimately, they showed their true fruit through denial of Christ Himself.
On seeing these changes occur, I was reminded of the verses from 1 John 2:15-19, where it says:
"Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.
Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrists have appeared; even now many antichrists have appeared; from this we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that it would be shown that they all are not of us."
I was listening to a great two-part sermon by John MacArthur while driving the other day (If interested, here are parts One and Two). In the series, John described Biblically how homosexuality goes against what God commands, but it something that you CAN be redeemed from. One of the verses that he pointed out was 1 Corinthians 6:9:
"Or do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God? Do not be deceived, neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers shall inherit the Kingdom of God. And such were some of you, but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God."
This leads me to my question: How are we as believers supposed to interact with people who purposely defy God with the lifestyle of homosexuality?
*Small note: Homosexuality is not the "cardinal sin" that isolates you from God. Otherwise, Paul wouldn't have also mentioned people like drunkards and thieves in the passage above. Sin is sin, and one separates us from God just as effectively as another. However, I am focusing on this topic specifically due to the fact that homosexuality is something Christians specifically struggle with confronting, as I will elaborate on below.
Over the last few months, I have gotten into discussions with various people on the internet advocating the stance of "love whoever you want". In the process, other Christians have often spoken up and chimed in on the discussion(s) as well.
However, I began to notice a trend within my own Christian circles that frustrated me.
For instance, I gave the gospel to such a person who had requested me to furnish him proof of God's existence (and also thought of God as an evil tyrant). My response to him was as follows:
"Instead of trying to sway you with evidences, I will simply tell you what the Bible says.
(1) Each person's heart knows the truth deep down inside (Found in Romans 1).
(2) Everything good that we do as individuals comes completely short of the standard that God has for getting into heaven (Isaiah 64:6 and Romans 3:23).
(3) Through Jesus dying on the Cross for unworthy sinners (which by the way, is an act that is ANYTHING but that of an evil tyrant) we are now granted access to God through Him (Romans 5:1). That is, the gospel in a nutshell. Whether you choose to believe it or not is between you and God......I can only present His Word, but God does the saving."
The response that I got from a fellow believer was this:
"I believe you love everybody, and judge NO ONE. You don't shove what you believe down another person's throat. You don't tell that person that what they believe is wrong, just because they don't agree with you."
Really? We don't ever tell people that they're going to Hell based on the evidence of their rejection of Christ? Is love really the only answer? The answer to that, of course, is found in Scripture.
"Romans 10:14-17: How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!'
However, they did not all heed the good news; for Isaiah says, 'Lord, who has believed our report?” So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ."
Notice how there is the command to PREACH! Don't water down the truth just because it is offensive to people. It will be offensive, even if done in love (1 Corinthians 1:18)!
(I elaborated more on the point of speaking the truth in my blog post two weeks ago for those of you interested.)
Now, it should be noted that, because of my posts, I was called many things, including a bully, oppressor, and a person stuck in tradition. I was told that my views condone murder, suicide, and depression. And that is ok!
Why?
Because my conscience is clean. I purposely avoided speaking "Jaden's opinion", but instead, "God's truth". The Bible was/is perfectly capable of doing so itself when spoken in context.
"1 Peter 3:13-17: Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong."
Don't water down the truth for the sake of love alone. True love is telling people that they are destined for Hell based on their current trajectory, much like warning a blind man heading towards a cliff. Expect persecution for it, but don't back down!
It could be that YOU are the instrument that God uses to bring that person to salvation. Don't fail in that calling by living love without speaking truth.
I would love to hear your comments on my posts, so feel free to reply below!
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