WinterDelight

With all the discussion in Goshen lately about the ordinance to extend what is considered as a civil right as covered by the constitution.  When questions like this come up, then it is time for me to search to make sure what I believe is based on the values that I claim as a Christian.  Also I need to make sure I understand what a civil right is.  So here is what I have found.

Here is what is in the “Declarations of Independence”, note this is not found in the United States Constitution as usually quoted by homosexual supporters.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,—That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.–Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

Note that these rights come from God, the Creator.  What unalienable Rights are we born with?  God, the Creator, created us to be a certain way and these ways are spelled out in His book, the Bible, and by the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  Unalienable rights are those that are given to us by God, the Creator.  The idea of civil rights comes from the idea that you should not show preference to people based on pigmentation of skin, gender, religion, or age.  So what does the Bible teach about homosexuality?  If you do not agree with my basis of values, that is fine, I cannot change in light of what I have hope for in God’s plan for eternal salvation.

Romans 1:18-32 (NKJV)
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves,  who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

I do not believe God has created homosexuals with a natural attraction to like genders.  I know God loves people who choose a homosexual lifestyle and He would like to see them repent of this sinful lifestyle.  Other people who have problems with sexuality have taken a stance to suppress that behavior or chastity in light a deeper desire of eternal life.

Now for our earthly duty I feel that extending an ordinance to allow ones sexual choices would do the following:

1. Encourage a homosexual lifestyle; nobody who loves someone would ever encourage them to do something hurtful to them.  I feel that eternal life is more important than earthly desire.  Who would encourage their child to do drugs if it make the child happy?  We know as parents that drugs are not true happiness.  In the same way, earthly happiness could hamper the ability of future repentance and acceptance of God’s salvation found in Jesus Christ.  I cannot be part of encouraging sinful lifestyles when I have this understanding.  This is not hate, but it is a loving concern.
2. People are making this to be a “no big deal”, but really it is a stepping stone to future laws and ordinances of sinful acceptance.  Understanding that people who think this is “no big deal” are a pawn in a bigger plan.
3. This ordinance would open the door to other types of sexual choice lifestyles.  I do not like to think about what this could lead to, but it will be a basis to allow other exceptions that you might judge as wrong, but you accept. We have to stand for something or we will fall for anything.