May 29, 2024

The designation (by some) of the month of June as “Pride Month” is strangely accurate. Genesis 4 lays out the devastating effects of pride as Cain is too proud to admit his sin and Lamech (4:23-24) is so proud of his sin that he boasts about it openly in the form of a song or poem. Lamech could be the poster child for pride month. He champions his sin, wears it loudly, and in a way that threatens any who would dare disagree with him.

We are led to believe that there are two positions. 1) Those who are loving, kind, open, tolerant and accepting of all viewpoints, gender claims, sexual orientations, etc. and 2) Those who are hateful, bigoted, narrow-minded, violent and dangerous. As followers of Christ, we are not hateful, bigoted, violent nor dangerous. Our values have clear boundaries because they are defined by Scripture. We hold to clear positions of male and female genders, and the definition of marriage as being between one man and one woman. We celebrate, champion, and defend marriage as being the only context for sexual relations. To some we are accused of being narrow, but once again, there is much irony in that. Living within the boundaries of God’s Word is actually living in freedom. Living in “freedom” from God is actually slavery.

The truth is, there is a 3rd position. We hold convictionally to the clear teachings of God’s Word on gender and marriage. We also hold convictionally to our responsibility to love and care for people who live in ignorance of and even rebellion to God. Our Father is kind to the ungrateful and evil (Luke 6:35b). Look at that last sentence again. The kindness of God does not eliminate God’s view on ingratitude and evil. The fact that God is kind does not mean that ingratitude is ok, nor is evil anything less than evil. God does not, in the name of kindness, redefine sin. But his kindness is seen in giving people opportunities to repent and come to Christ. That is our view. We do not agree with lies of pride month. We pray. We love. We witness. We share the gospel. We look for ways to make Christ known.

The flags will come out along with other expressions that champion a position that is sadly in rebellion to God and actually destructive to so many. It is sad to see. But let’s respond with prayer to God for our own purity, integrity, compassion and faithfulness. God loves to hijack the devices of Satan for the advancement of the Kingdom of Christ.

Grace and peace,

Bob

Sunday’s Text: Luke 6:37-42