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Same-sex marriage has put Christian conduct under the spotlight. How far should Christians go to protest gay marriage? The Supreme Court’s ruling to legalize same-sex marriage in the U.S. has many Christians in an uproar. Same-sex marriage has been at the forefront of the Christian fight since 1971, when the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that “the institution of marriage as a union of man and woman uniquely involving the procreating and rearing of children within the family is as old as the book of Genesis.” The issue of same-sex marriage has put Christian conduct under the spotlight. How far should Christians go to protest same-sex marriage to get their point across to people who don’t want to hear it?
Christians believe the first marriage was between Adam and Eve. However, the question is not about protesting a marriage between Adam and Steve but about how we, as Christians, should conduct ourselves in a world where same-sex marriage is a reality. The issue at stake here is not the legality of same-sex marriage but our conduct as followers of Christ. The world is watching how we respond because we are the only Jesus they will ever see. Before I open the door to your criticism, let’s look at Christian conduct from a Biblical standpoint.
What is A Christian?
People have different views about what it means to be a Christian. A Christian is not just someone who attends a church. Christians are individuals who have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior by faith. As Christians, we are called to live a holy life that pleases God (Romans 12:1). It is essential for me that I spend time in the word of God so that I may: (1) learn how to conduct myself in a Christ-like fashion (1 Peter 2:9), (2) understand that my fight is not against non-Christians, and (3) know that I am at war with spiritual wickedness and not people (Ephesians 6:12).
Does the Bible Address Gay Marriage?
Although the Bible does not mention gay or same-sex marriage, in several passages, the Bible unquestionably condemns homosexuality as an abomination, a detestable, unnatural, and immoral act (Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:26-27). Again, the spotlight is on Christian conduct and not gay marriage. The Christian life must glorify God by producing fruit (John 15:8). By this fruit, we know that we are disciples of Christ. What is this fruit? The fruit of the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These nine characteristics should be the trademark of Christian conduct.
The first fruit mentioned is love. Without an open display of love, the Christian life is like a noisy horn or a clanging cymbal. Even though we display all the spiritual gifts mentioned in the Bible and have mountain-moving faith, we are nothing if we do not display love. This love should guide our response to same-sex marriage, ensuring that even as we uphold our beliefs, we do so with love and respect for others. If we give everything we own to the needy, and though we stand against non-Christian antics to the death, and we do not display love, it profits us nothing (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).
How Far Should Christians Go to Protest Same-sex Marriage?
One day, I heard something on the news that shocked me to the core. The news quoted Rick Scarborough, a former Baptist minister and Christian political activist, saying he would set himself on fire if the high court ruled in favor of same-sex marriage. But what he said is, “We (Christians) are not going to bow. We are not going to bend, and if necessary, we will burn!”
I believe the media took Reverend Scarborough’s words out of context. He later acknowledged, “I made that comment to paraphrase a spiritual song, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in which the three were given a choice to bow to the image of Nebuchadnezzar or burn in a furnace. ‘We will burn’ means that we will accept any sanction from the government for resisting today’s Supreme Court decision. We will not support any violence or physical harm.” However, Reverend Scarborough did say: “The preachers need to get out front; the leaders need to get out front, out front of these ordinary citizens and say, ‘Shoot me first!’”
Everyone Has the Right to Free Choice
Here’s where I disagree. Nobody has to get shot. There is no need for conflict. I stand firm in the word of God, which clearly states that men should marry women, and women should marry men, and not each other (Titus 1:6; Ephesians 5:33; 1 Peter 3:1). However, I believe that just as Christians have a right to believe and live by the word of God, those who choose to be gay have the right to marry each other if they so choose. We do not have the right to stop them. God has given everyone the right to freedom, that is, the freedom to choose right or wrong, good or bad, for God Himself said, “…I have set before you, life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore, choose life, that both you and your descendants may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19).
No one has the right to force people to believe as they do. That is what the terrorists do. They cut off people’s heads when they don’t see the world through their eyes. If we force people to choose our way, we are no different than the terrorists.
Being a Christian does not give us special privileges in this world. The Supreme Court has ruled that same-sex marriage is legal. It is now the law of our land, and the Bible says that we should obey the law, not protest it (Hebrews 13:17).
We Are the “Light of the World”
Brothers and sisters in Christ, be reminded that we are the light of the world. We are to be examples of God’s love. Although we are to uphold the standard of righteousness, the righteousness of God comes from within. But upholding the standard of righteousness does not make us judges. While we turn on the light of God, we should not forget that we should be subject to rulers and authorities, obey, be ready for every good work, speak evil of no one, be peaceable and gentle, and show humility to all men, for we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another (Titus 3:1-3). This humility and respect should guide our interactions with those who hold different beliefs, including those who support same-sex marriage.
The Bible tells us God is love and does not force Himself on anyone. We, like the angels of heaven, were created with free will. Unlike all the other animal life on earth, we can choose our destiny. That means we can accept Christ or deny Him access to our lives. But there are consequences to the choices we make. We cannot expect to live like the devil and then blame God for judging us later, and the Bible says that God will indeed judge everyone according to their deeds (Revelation 20:12-13).
The word of God teaches that it is wrong for same-sex couples to marry. I believe the word of God to be accurate. However, when I stand before the Throne in judgment, I want Christ to remember me for being a disciple and not opposing Him as a Pharisee and forcing others to be like me.
I would love to hear your views. Join the conversation by posting your comments.
