Reflecting on Traditional Marriage

At lunch after church yesterday our son and pastor, Mark, commented that I should have no problem coming up with an issue for my blog this week.  Indeed, the Supreme Court's decision on gay marriage last week is both monumental and disturbing. Like other Christians who still hold to the traditional definition of marriage, I grieve.  Social media has been alive as people on both sides react, sometimes in anger. I have commented on this issue in the past, but in light of the recent decision I felt a need to revisit. There are three factors I believe we need to keep in mind.

Jesus made it clear during his earthly ministry that there is to be a separation of church and state.  "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and God the things that are God's." (Matthew 22:21) Governments often strays from the plan God has for us, because they do not operate according to biblical principles.  When those principles collide, it is the Christians responsibility to respect the decision but still bow to God's command.  As I understand it, the court's decision allows for just that; churches can decline to marry gay/lesbian couples based on their religious principles.

Secondly: Paul challenges the Romans, "Do not be conformed to the patterns of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God will is - his good, pleasing, perfect will." (Romans 12:2)   The Bible is full of examples of individuals who were forced to live in pagan cultures, but continued to let their lights shine.  One of the best examples is Daniel and his contemporaries who lived in exile in Babylon.  The more they stood strong, the more their influence.  In this case our response should be to strive to make our traditional marriages stronger.  Christians homes must be models of both love and grace.  That, not our words, should be our testimony.

Thirdly: I do not know if you caught it, but  in the title I used the term, "traditional definition of marriage" and not "biblical definition."  Dallas Morning News columnist, Steve Blow, penned an interesting perspective yesterday.  Steve Blow is a Christian and often his commentaries reflect that.  In commenting on the court's decisions, he warned that those who attack it based on a biblical definition of marriage might have a problem.  He pointed out that the biblical perspective seems to evolve.  There are cases of polygamy and concubines.  In many cases, marriages were arranged.  Which definition of marriage do we use?  When I listen to those on the gay/lesbian side, they seem to be able to defend their lifestyle using scripture.

The one biblical principles that seems to be consistent is Grace.  We are called to love all people unconditionally.  Why?  Because God does.  Jesus died to for all people.  During his earthly ministry Jesus lived in a sinful, broken world.  He also loved the residence of that broken world.  What he found repelling was hypocrisy.  Before we call for those who are gay and lesbians to repent, we need to be ready to confess our sins as well.  When we celebrate grace, we bear the image of Christ and in time the world will get the message.