It Does Matter

If you are on Facebook, you've witnessed the arguments ignited by star of Duck Dynasty Phil Robertson's comments about homosexuality in an article he was interviewed for by GQ magazine.  These comments opened a can of worms - so to speak. 

First, let me say, I've never seen the show, so I don't hold any allegiance to the Duck Dynasty or Mr. Robertson in that regard.  Second, I did find his comments about homosexuality to be inflammatory and part of the problem when it comes to the inaccurate pictures of Christianity being propagated by the media and various other outlets.  Third, his comments, however, have raised some very worthy discussion topics, and that is what this post is really about - one of those topics.

The topic of homosexuality and sin. 

Mr. Tyler Smither - fellow blogger - wrote an entry entitled, "What You Believe About Homosexuality Doesn't Really Matter." 

In this blog post, he wrote the following on the topic of homosexuality and sin:

"The fact of the matter is, it doesn’t matter whether or not you think homosexuality is a sin. Let me say that again. It does not matter if you think homosexuality is a sin, or if you think it is simply another expression of human love. It doesn’t matter. Why doesn’t it matter? Because people are dying. Kids are literally killing themselves because they are so tired of being rejected and dehumanized that they feel their only option left is to end their life."

To which I respond, Mr. Smither, your comments are exactly why IT DOES MATTER what we believe about homosexuality and sin. 

Because kids -  and also adults I might add - are literally killing themselves due to a feeling of rejection and dehumanization after coming out as gay or lesbian, IT DOES MATTER what we believe about homosexuality. It's a life or death matter - as you point out! It matters because what we believe about homosexuality and sin links directly to how we respond to those that reveal they are homosexuals - which is then a cause of how they feel after revealing their sexual orientations. You cannot separate the two.

And, on that note, what we should believe about homosexual behavior - about any and all sins really - is what God (our Creator) believes about it - and about sin in general (this post is written on the premise that the Bible defines homosexuality as sin).  If we ascribe to His beliefs on this matter, what one will find is the opposite of rejection and dehumanization...

Romans 5:8 "When we were in our sin, Christ Jesus came to die for us."  Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

You see, the homosexual is not alone in the struggle with his or her sin nature.  We ALL are in that same boat.  So when the subject of homosexual behavior as sin arises, this TOO should also be emphasized.  However, there are too many that like to elevate homosexuality above other sins, and that's not right. I'll say that again; elevation of certain sins above other sins is NOT RIGHT.  ALL sin does its deed - creates separation between us and a holy God.  We need to grasp this, and we need to teach this to our children so hate and violence toward homosexuals ends.  If we believe this about sin, then there are no differences between black or white, homosexual or straight, male or female.  We are all sinners in need of a savior trying to make it in this crazy world.  That humanizes us.   And also on that note, how can anyone then reject another person on any grounds?

Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." 

See, it's right there.  It says, "For the wages of sin is death (eternal separation from God)." It doesn't say, "For the wages of certain sins is death..."  It says SIN.  All of it! Yours. Mine. ALL SIN. We are equal, and if you stop right there, we are all - for lack of a better word - screwed. But then notice the good news in the second part of that verse, "The free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." The polar opposite of rejection and dehumanization from God through Jesus to us!  Talk about LOVE! OMG - it blows my mind!  This is what we should believe about homosexuality, and so this should be the message when talking about sin - there is hope for us all!!! Oh the joy that floods my soul at that thought.

THAT is what we should believe about homosexuality and about all other sins.  If we preached that, how many lives could be saved here on earth from suicide BUT ALSO saved for eternity in heaven (which TOTALLY matters!).

2 Corinthians 5:21 "He who knew no sin became sin for us, that we may be made the righteousness of God through Him."

What you believe about sin matters. It mattered to Jesus so much that He became our sin and paid the penalty for that sin so that we could have a personal relationship with our Creator and Father, God.

Mr. Smither, to you I say, it does matter!!!!

And because of what I believe about homosexuality and sin and Jesus, I do agree with Tyler Smither when he gives the following advice:

"Try telling a gay kid that you love him and you don’t want him to die. Try inviting her into your church and into your home and into your life."

With that, I wholeheartedly agree! Because people matter. They mattered to Jesus so much that He died for us and He left us with the great commission:

Today's forget-me-not: Matthew 28:¹⁸ Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

It is important to spread His message. Let's do it, Christians!  Because it matters!!

To those who are searching for hope... To those who are in need of a purpose to live and not to die... Please travel the Roman Road.