The month of June is over, and perhaps some hatred toward the LGBTQ community will subside since the number of people waving pride flags may diminish. As a Christian, I don’t like that the symbol of the rainbow, which God put into the clouds as a covenantal sign between him and the earth, is used to represent something that is also an abomination to him.
However, the irony of pushing pride in one’s choices is not lost on me when I consider its meaning. I cannot help but think of Proverbs 16:18.
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
Proverbs 16:18 (NIV)
As I was reading through Isaiah today, this verse stood out.
The look on their faces testifies against them; they parade their sin like Sodom; they do not hide it. Woe to them! They have brought disaster upon themselves.
Isaiah 3:9 (NIV)
Undoubtedly, one could apply this verse to those who celebrate pride month. Indeed, throughout the land, there were parades with proud and smiling faces declaring one group’s love over their life choices. The following verse gives hope to those who cringe when seeing a pride flag.
Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds.
Isaiah 3:10 (NIV)
Yet, what does this verse tell us? It tells us that those who are righteous will receive a righteous reward. As a Christian, this means I will spend my eternity with the Lord. Still, what is the “fruit” of the righteous deeds? I can only say that the fruitful deeds of the righteous are those things done after they were saved. After all, before we were saved, we were no different than those some of us despise today.
At one time we too, were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.
Titus 3:3 (NIV)
As Christians, some of us may remember how we were before we were saved. Yet, the sin of homosexuality, beyond many other things like rape and murder, seems to hold a “special” place in our hearts. We might think of homosexuality, shudder, shake our heads, and gag. We have little “tolerance” for this sin. Why is that?
After the prophet Habakkuk complained to the Lord about Judah’s sin, the Lord told Habakkuk that he would use the Babylonian nation as his instrument of punishment against Judah. Habakkuk then complained again to the Lord about using a sinful nation to accomplish his purposes and gave us this insight about God.
Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrongdoing. Why then do you tolerate the treacherous? Why are you silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves?
Habakkuk 1:13 (NIV)
Habakkuk 1:13 reminds us that God doesn’t tolerate sin. Any sin. This insight tells us that God doesn’t accept homosexuality any more than he condones lying, stealing, or cheating.
One could argue that the sin of homosexuality is so rampant that we cannot get “away” from it. There are commercials, T.V. shows, politicians, neighbors, etc. promoting this sin, while no one goes around promoting sins like murder, child molestation, lying, cheating, etc. However, thinking that we, as a culture, do not promote other sins is a lie. One that I don’t need to provide examples for. Do I?
How many television shows and movies promote murder, lying, fornication, and the like? Although I say I don’t advocate “those” sins, when I watch any of my favorite action films, I condone the violence in those films. I like superhero films, and many contain violence, like murder. Does it matter if the “good” guy doesn’t kill anyone or if he only kills “bad” guys?
I have a difficult time with homosexuality. Every time I see this sin paraded before me, it’s difficult to not grit my teeth and cringe.
Right before Paul reminded Titus of how we all used to live before we were saved, he gave him this instruction.
Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone (emphasis added).
Titus 3:1-2 (NIV)
Paul didn’t tell Titus to be gentle to those people whose sin he could tolerate or not see. No, Paul said, “to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.”
Some of the most remarkable people I’ve ever met and had the privilege of knowing were part of the LGBTQ community. Just like some of the most amazing people I’ve ever met used to be liars and murderers. Christians must see beyond people’s sins and love them like Jesus, who died for us all. What does John 3:16 tell us?
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (emphasis added).
John 3:16 (NIV)
Therefore, if you’re finding it hard to love anyone for any reason, repent and ask the Lord to help you remember who the real enemy is.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (emphasis added).
Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)
Let us consider what Paul said about those who will inherit the kingdom of God.
Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God (emphasis added).
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (NIV)
Do you know the Lord? If you don’t know God, then know that God knows you and loves you. God doesn’t want anyone to perish but for everyone to come to repentance so they can spend eternity with him. If you want to know God and be saved from your sins, then pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation:
Lord Jesus, forgive me for all my sins. I sincerely repent from my ways. Wash me in your blood and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I believe you died on the cross and were buried, and God the Father raised you from the dead on the third day. Right now, Lord Jesus, I open the door to my heart and receive you into my heart as my Lord and personal Savior. Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment, and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey.
