*Edited on 3/16/2017 + updated scriptural references. *
I am probably going to ruffle some feathers today…
Which, on one hand, is okay by me since I am not here to make YOU happy and agree with you. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE you. I would hate for you to go away mad. However, it is my calling to make you THINK and RESPOND within the context of living life in fellowship (or community) with integrity as followers of Jesus.
If we, as followers of Christ, are truly called to be leaders with integrity, I implore you! Do not simply choose to be offended and shut-off your brain. Do not choose to chicken out and ignore this post without challenging yourself and your definition of “service to others”.
I must start by making it clear: There is absolutely a biblical standard for marriage, just as there is a standard for honesty, chastity and for loving & honoring the intrinsic value of His children.
Today I participated in a group that watched The Nines: Culture Clash (#TheNines2014) webinar broadcast and carried on an online discussion. During and after which I participated in an online discussion. The topic starter: How do we address the topic of gay marriage. As the exchange flowed, we came to three core questions that we circled around.
What do we do with those in the LGBTQ* community?
How do we address these communities?
Should we even SERVE these communities?
*LGBTQ = Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning
I must start by making it clear: There is absolutely a biblical standard for marriage, just as there is a standard for honesty, chastity and for loving & honoring the intrinsic value of His children. Additionally, there is absolutely strict guidelines on how Pastors, Elders and other leaders of the body of Christ _-= MUST =-_ live. However, when it comes to those who are not in leadership positions over God’s people, Jesus does not, that I can find in scripture, call those who were not already educated in scripture to change before he would serve them. Jesus condemned the self-righteous, and those who were educated in the law (the Pharisees, and the Scribes). Those where were children in faith were welcomed with open arms.
But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us! – Romans 5:8
Where would you or I be, if Jesus had said: “Those who lie, who have hate (anger) in their heart, and those who lust, can not be a part of my church?” I dare say there would be few churches. There would be few followers in general. I am well aware that under those rules, I would not be qualified to be in this family. I most certainly would not be leading discussions on Christ’s love and on how to lead our families, churches and communities with Jesus at the head as our Lord.
Jesus never conveys that as part of his teaching. In fact, scripture shows that Jesus frequently engaged in community with those who were far from the standards of God’s law. In Romans 5:8, scripture reminds us quite clearly, “But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us!” In Matthew 9:10 and Mark 2:13-17, Jesus dined with cheats and tax collectors, the Pharisees used this as a reason to condemn Jesus’s teaching in Luke 15:2. In Luke 7:36-50, Jesus ministered to (forgave) a prostitute who came to Him to honor him by washing and anointing His feet. At no time did He say “Change and then, I will reach out in love and community.” or “Change and then I will heal you”. Jesus welcomed these people into community in their “NOW” state, while they were in their sin. Likewise, Jesus welcomes us to follow him in our “NOW” state. It is through exposure to His love and grace, and with the Holy Spirit that we were transformed and changed. Therefore, the take away message here:
Everyone is welcome to share in God’s grace.
Everyone is welcome to experience God’s love.
If then we say that we are called to serve others, how can we draw a line in the sand that separates the LGBTQ community?
What scripture can you reference that says that we get to separate ourselves from others, (as long as our personal salvation is not at stake)? And who gets to make that call?
How is that different from serving those that have broken the law? What about alcoholics and drug abusers? What about the homeless or working poor? The Hispanic community?
Where is the scripture that says we shall exclude others because their brokenness is different than ours?
Even more to the point, how is it at all different from being ministered to as one who is still in our own sins as liars and cheats (Matt 5:33-37), or those of us who are lust-filled adulterers (Matt 5:27-28)? What about anger driven murderers (Matt 5:21-22) or those of us who are distracted by false idols like work, money, food, alcohol, video games and the numerous other distractions to glorifying our Lord? Where is the scripture that says we shall exclude others because their brokenness is different than ours?
Our community starts right where we are, in the midst of all of our brokenness. And we are ALL broken!
“We should strive to create environments of grace to walk people along their journey as they learn what is means to be followers and disciples of Jesus Christ. ” – #TheNines2014 #Nines2014
Discipleship is a process that happens by coming alongside another person and living out life as a model of Christ’s love on this planet. Disciples aren’t made in the “Holy Huddle”! They are made in real life, by following the example that Jesus gave. Like Jesus, we must meet the people, where they are, and form communities that raise up disciples, by living life together, in community. At no point does modeling Jesus’s love or principals water down the truth of scripture. We do not change the text to make people feel better. However we do change OUR attitudes to make others feel welcome.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, … Blessed are the meek … Blessed are the merciful … Blessed are the peacemakers …” – Matthew 5:3-10
Tell me, what does that mean in the context of your ministry? What about in your communities? What does that mean in your family?
I Challenge you: Cowboy Up! Think about it! Process it! And if you don’t agree, then prove me wrong, in scripture.
Scripture for thought:
Matt 5 1 John 1: 10 James 3:1-18 1 Cor 2:11-14 Rom 5:8
Thank you for reading and for your comments…
TheStrongFoundation.org and it’s member sites CalebStrong.org and EstherStrong.org are about becoming the leaders God calls us to be, at work, in our homes, churches and communities at large.
Always remember to Be *Strong*™.
May Jesus have His way with your day
He is Founder and consultant for Tek Management,
Founder of the Men’s Leadership site: CalebStrong.org,
Co-Founder of the online Bible study app: BibleCounts
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