It is clear that homosexuality is one of the defining issues of our time. Those who are watching Western culture will one day write about this era and about the growing acceptance of this lifestyle. And, depending on what the United State Supreme Court does in a few weeks, they might write about nationally-allowed homosexual marriage. Of course, homosexuality is not the only issue Christians face, but this issue so dominates our national discussion that we must consider it very often.

But there is at least one aspect of all this talk that is common with any sin, especially sins that are running rampant through society. Off and on, that issue is gambling, especially when a state or local government is considering the issue. Back in the 1970s and 1980s, it was the issue of drunk driving, and the obviously related issue of alcohol consumption. Of course, slavery was that issue about 150 years ago. During the 1940s, it was pacifism. You get the idea. In our time, the two most common issues are homosexuality and abortion, but there are many other issues we face daily, as well.

Those who are for homosexuality being normalized and accepted seemed to have learned from the past, however, and they are using some of that knowledge to their advantage. My challenge to Christians today is to learn from these past “fights,” too.

What have the people who are for accepting homosexuality learned? They had learned the most difficult part of the debate.

Oh, it’s not that cultural elites are calling for the normalization and acceptance of any type of sin. We see that constantly.

It’s not being called names like “bigot” or “homophobic.”

It’s not going hearing about athletes, politicians, musicians, and actors “come out” and be celebrated.

So what is it?

It’s wearing people down, so we must not only deal with those fighting for the normalization of sin, but then also dealing with people who just don’t care any longer. It is apathy.

You see, this constant barrage from those pushing the homosexual agenda is their strategy. It is not to try to prove the “rightness” of their issue. It is not to look at legal precedent or history (because those work against their cause!).

Have you noticed that the debate constantly changes? First it is “that’s just who I am.” Then it is “let’s compare this to civil rights.” Then it is “love is all that matters.” Then it is “look at this person. He/she is gay, and they are a good role model.” Then it is “you must hate marriage if you don’t want loving people to marry.”

[Side note: for awhile, it was "my DNA made me this way," but we don't hear that any longer, since the Human Genome Project disproved it.]

The “reason” or the “angle” is constantly changing. Why? Because they know that, if they can throw enough arguments out, say them over and over, and repeat them in the public forum, many people will just get tired of debating.

And those who have given up are the hardest ones to deal with. They may think–no, they may know–that homosexuality is sinful, but they are just tired of debating it. They are tired of swimming against the tide of cultural change. They are tired of seeing those who “come out” celebrated while they are vilified. They are tired of the government siding more and more with this sin.

So, they give up.

Friend, if that describes you, I implore you: don’t give up!

Continue to stand, lovingly yet boldly, for God’s Word on every issue, including this one. Even though it may seem like “we” are losing, we must remember that God has never given us the right to quit just because we are tired of fighting. We must press forward with truth. We must continue to love the sinner while hating the sin. We must continue to preach what the Bible says on this issue.

And, yes, if it comes to it, we must continue to be persecuted for our beliefs.

But the one thing we absolutely cannot do is give up.

QUESTION: What are some of the other “arguments” that are used to wear down opposition to homosexuality?

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Photo credit: Hey Paul Studios on Creative Commons

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This one is for preachers. What a strong reminder!

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Integrity has been defined as “who you are when no one is looking.” Often, we use that definition to talk about avoiding sin just because you are alone. The common follow-up line is to remind people that we are never truly alone, because God is always present and sees everything.

There are two sides to this, though. It’s not just what you avoid doing, it is what you actually do.

Many people are doing amazing things when no one is really looking. They are people of integrity because they realize that they are always in the view of God and they want to redeem every moment, even the quiet and solitary moments, for the Lord. They want to glorify the Lord and shine His light even if they stand alone.

Today’s post is a tribute to you.

When no one was looking, you went to THAT website. You know the one. You were all alone and you stayed on it for a long time while everyone else slept. In that moment, you graded those tests from World Bible School and emailed your students.

When no one was looking, you sent THAT text message. Everyone else’s eyes were fixated on the television, so you quietly slipped your phone into your hand and sent that short message. It was the one where you told your child’s Bible school teacher “Thank you.”

When no one was looking, you went into THAT store. Not a lot of people go there, but you parked around on the side and walked in. When you came out, you had ordered the flowers for that lady who was now a widow, so that she would have a pretty arrangement at her beloved’s funeral.

When no one was looking, you typed out THAT email. It was on that “other” email account…the one very few people know about. You edited it because you wanted to be sure it said just what would work. Then you hit “send,” and a missionary received your private donation to help with the work.

When no one was looking, you crept into THAT place. You weren’t sure you should be there, but you went anyway. After a few minutes, you felt okay with it, because that prisoner now had someone he could talk to about his soul.

When no one was looking, you wrote THAT Facebook message. It was the one to your old flame in high school, whom you haven’t seen in years. While you were nervous, you sent it anyway, apologizing for not talking about the most important thing–Jesus–when you were dating in high school.

When no one was looking, you proved your integrity.

Keep it up, because Someone is looking.

QUESTION: What is something that someone has done to help you when “no one” was looking?

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