Whether you actually took the time to look it up or not, I'll continue...
Regardless of what side of the debate you stand on, we all have to admit that there has been a huge cultural shift when it comes to the homosexual lifestyle. It's gone from something that was reviled in social circles and "kept in the closet" to being flaunted openly and normalized in mainstream entertainment. This shift has been inevitable in a society that values freedom of expression and one's right to do as they please above all else. In and of itself this shift would not be so controversial. But unfortunately it was also accompanied by the notion that everyone must go along with it and accept it as normal. Those that do not have now been labeled as intolerant and homophobic.
It's those two titles that I would like to examine more in-depth here. You see, in most debates they are almost exclusively aimed at Christians. Now, are there some people that profess to be Christian, yet behave in hateful and vile ways when dealing with homosexuals? Sadly, yes. But that should not be used as the standard of measurement for all Christians, rather as the behavior of some that either have not fully matured in their walk or that have made a false profession themselves. However, there seems to be an expectation that even true Christians (followers of Christ) should simply accept the new secular paradigm as normal and go with the flow. And this is where the problems arise.
The Christian's position on homosexuality is well known and has been the same since the penning of the bible. Where it may be true that some have wavered in their stance and convictions in the past, the bible and what it informs the believer of has always remained the same. Now, there have been attacks on the authenticity of the bible or even the interpretation of the texts in question, but that's a topic for another discussion at some point. In general and historically the stance of the Christian church has remained unchanged.
This being the case, why is it so surprising that we remain opposed to any sort of normalization of what we clearly see and define as sinful? Why have there been attacks on the likes of Kirk Cameron, Chic-Fil-A, Phil Robertson and countless other professing Christians when they voiced their beliefs (after being asked, mind you)? Why was the owner of a bakery sued by a homosexual couple for refusing to create a "wedding cake" for their ceremony? The answer to all of these is one and the same, because they have been labeled intolerant and homophobic!
No matter your stance and how well you've made it known in the past, if you speak your mind and refuse to compromise on your convictions then you stand the chance of being mocked and accused of being on the "wrong side of history". Or if you happen to own a business and run it based on those same uncompromising convictions then you may find yourself being boycotted or sued for some perceived infraction of someone's rights. The signs and chants for "tolerance" will be brighter and louder than anything you are given the opportunity to say. Never mind that you asking for the same "tolerance" in regards to your beliefs and choices.
So are we "afraid of homosexuals" simply because we won't agree with or affirm their choice of sin? Or is it more accurate that the supporters of it and the ones that level these accusations suffer from a severe case of alethephobia (a fear of hearing the truth)? Because if you don't believe in our God - and make no mistake, you can't serve God and blatantly disobey Him - or the bible we so feverishly cling to, then why does it matter if we still call it a sin? Why does it matter if we opt not to indulge you and your vices? Are we actually harming anyone by refusing to do so? So, it seems apparent that it's only a problem if they feel there is some truth to what we claim. Because, not matter how rebellious they try to be, they can't deny the tug they feel in their own consciences when they engage in behavior that God finds offensive. That "tug" is the result of God having written His law inside of us, leaving us without any excuse or alibi for the offenses we commit against Him.
No, we're not afraid OF you...we're afraid FOR you!
This is why we (those of us that don't, that is) refuse to compromise and rather continue to declare the truth. There is more at stake than the temporary satisfactions this life and the sins in it can offer. You may scream YOLO at the top of your lungs while diving headfirst into your vices, but on the other end is eternity. And it is the same God that we offend that has provided the one and only way for us to be sure we will spend that eternity with Him rather than separated from Him.
So, choose your indulgences, or choose life...either way, the fear of God should compel you...
No matter your stance and how well you've made it known in the past, if you speak your mind and refuse to compromise on your convictions then you stand the chance of being mocked and accused of being on the "wrong side of history". Or if you happen to own a business and run it based on those same uncompromising convictions then you may find yourself being boycotted or sued for some perceived infraction of someone's rights. The signs and chants for "tolerance" will be brighter and louder than anything you are given the opportunity to say. Never mind that you asking for the same "tolerance" in regards to your beliefs and choices.
So are we "afraid of homosexuals" simply because we won't agree with or affirm their choice of sin? Or is it more accurate that the supporters of it and the ones that level these accusations suffer from a severe case of alethephobia (a fear of hearing the truth)? Because if you don't believe in our God - and make no mistake, you can't serve God and blatantly disobey Him - or the bible we so feverishly cling to, then why does it matter if we still call it a sin? Why does it matter if we opt not to indulge you and your vices? Are we actually harming anyone by refusing to do so? So, it seems apparent that it's only a problem if they feel there is some truth to what we claim. Because, not matter how rebellious they try to be, they can't deny the tug they feel in their own consciences when they engage in behavior that God finds offensive. That "tug" is the result of God having written His law inside of us, leaving us without any excuse or alibi for the offenses we commit against Him.
No, we're not afraid OF you...we're afraid FOR you!
This is why we (those of us that don't, that is) refuse to compromise and rather continue to declare the truth. There is more at stake than the temporary satisfactions this life and the sins in it can offer. You may scream YOLO at the top of your lungs while diving headfirst into your vices, but on the other end is eternity. And it is the same God that we offend that has provided the one and only way for us to be sure we will spend that eternity with Him rather than separated from Him.
So, choose your indulgences, or choose life...either way, the fear of God should compel you...
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