In case you haven’t been reminded for the 5 millionth time this month – it’s gay pride month. It seems like every store you enter is not just announcing it but literally screaming at you. Kids are being indoctrinated through cartoons and in the classroom. All of it is an attempt to normalize behavior that the world knows, but refuses to admit, is not the way we were create to thrive.
The world is acting like the world. It’s broken and hurting. None of this is a surprise to God. None of it should be a surprise to us.
As Christians how we respond to all this says a lot about who we are, what we believe about sin, and what we believe about God. I in no way claim to have all this figured out, but here are few things I’ve been processing over the last several weeks.
My first reaction when kids are being exploited by LGBTQ activists or when I have to reject another store’s attempt to get me to give money to an activist organization is to get really angry and a little bit bitter. We instead need to respond with broken hearts, repentance, and compassion.
The world wants to redefine love. They want it to be something that is unconnected to a higher being but simply is whatever they want it to mean. Unfortunately, love doesn’t work that way. However, Christians don’t get to re-define love either. In fact, God said love isn’t easily angered. James says, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” The Bible literally defines God as love.
It’s that simple.
Now, can I feel frustration and seek change because of the brokenness of sin around me? Yes. But that doesn’t mean that I am allowed to take that frustration out on the broken. Instead, my goal is to approach individuals around me with compassion & humility. My constant prayer when I engage with people who disagree with me is that they will leave every conversation knowing that they are valued and loved simply because they are made in the image of God.
As our culture is increasingly forcing these topics on our kids, it gives us an opportunity to talk to our kids about the nature of sin, about how we are called to love, and to demonstrate Christ-like love to those around us. These are not issues we can allow our kids to learn from the world.
When I’m tempted to make a stank face at the cashier when she asks if I want to donate to an LGBTQ activist organization or when I get a little overwhelmed by how far (and quickly) the culture has progressed, I remember who reigns over this world and to whom I belong no matter what the world may tell me. It’s not my job to save the world. Jesus already did that; I just get to be a part of revealing His saving power and love to a broken world. It takes a lot of the pressure off of me and frees me up to engage with others in a winsome way.
May we walk as people of love and compassion, and may Christ fill our lives with hope as we wait on His return.
Walking with humility,
Brittany Jones, Esq.
Director of Advocacy