Don't Ask ... Don't Tell ... Don't Repent!

Today many in our nation are rejoicing that it is now finally the "law of the land" that "gay" individuals will be able to serve openly in the United States military.

I guess this day was inevitable and the days which follow will most likely be inevitable as well - with increased "acceptance" of homosexual lifestyles we will all soon be expected to embrace "gay marriage" along with other "gay rights."

Apparently this is now supported by "public opinion" - and it has been duly voted on by our elected leaders and signed into law by our nation's president.

It appears that I am now in the minority ... so be it. My position is "politically incorrect," but I would rather be right before God than man. I believe I am a compassionate and caring person - but today I am deeply grieved. We have moved from "Don't Ask ... Don't Tell" to "Don't Repent!"

While I certainly believe that ALL PERSONS are created equal, I do not agree that all behaviors are good, nor are they constitutional "rights." I also believe that all persons have divine value and worth, including those who identify themselves as "homosexual" persons. I am simply not convinced that a "homosexual lifestyle" is God's design or desire - and I believe we have today in our nation ignored God's best way - the way of Jesus, who was full of "grace AND truth." (see John 1:14)

The "grace" of God emphasizes that forgiveness is free and complete. The "truth" of God emphasizes that God's way is holy and righteous. I believe "grace" requires that I treat all people with compassion and respect. I believe that "truth" requires that I honestly offer my best understanding of what is holy and righteous.

Yes, I have friends who are "gay" - and I care about them - enough to be graceful in speaking truth. Some of my "gay" friends have confided with me about their own unhappiness with their "lifestyle." Am I to withhold my best counsel from those who I believe are suffering as the result of a popular myth?

Is it wrong for me to warn someone of that which I believe is bound to harm them?

Even if I were an evolutionist, I would have trouble believing homosexuality is "normal" - because it is incapable of natural survival. As a Christian, I simply can not reconcile the natural or the Biblical contradictions with a "practicing homosexual lifestyle." I don't have a need to "punish" anyone who is "gay" - but I also don't believe I should be expected to "support" this lifestyle which is incompatible with both my understanding of the created order and holy living.

I understand that many believe they have been "born" with this sexual preference. I don't believe that makes it true or right. In fact, I think there are as many or more who are "born" with a tendency to be adulterous in their sexual behavior but I believe this is a destructive behavior, dare I say ... sinful. Today in our nation, we have "legally" embraced what I understand to be sin ... on the eve of the Advent Celebration of our Savior.

History is not without precedent in these matters (Genesis 18-19). Nations and cities have endorsed these "rights" before - only to discover they were wrong. They paid a great price for their error. I wonder how long that will take US.

I pray for God's grace and truth to dwell among us in these days.

"And so I solemnly urge you before God and before Christ Jesus-who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom: Preach the word of God. Be persistent, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.

For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to right teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever they want to hear. They will reject the truth and follow strange myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at bringing others to Christ. Complete the ministry God has given you."

- 2 Timothy 4:1-5 (NLT)

For Further Consideration See:

John 8:31-32, Romans 1:16-32, 2 Corinthians 13:7-9, 1 John 1:8, 2 John 1:3