What Did Jesus Do?

Jesus said, "you do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand."

In 21st century America, no one should be expected to surrender their religious liberty and free speech rights, or face personal and professional ruin. Whether it's Chick-Fil-A's Chief Operating  Officer stating his opposition to gay marriage, a flower shop owner politely declining to prepare flowers for a gay wedding or the latest Indiana pizzeria stating they would not cater a gay wedding (as if), it's time to come to a mature understanding. There are too many more important things taking place all around us that needs our attention. So let me recommend a truce so we can focus on what really matters.

The fear mongering and non-sense propaganda being spewed by those claiming to be speaking for the LBGT community is disgraceful. They want you to believe, all because of the Religious Freedom Law, that discrimination against gays will become rampant and lead to the turning away of blacks from stores for religious reasons. This is just plain ridiculous. 

Christians being called out as hateful, racist, cruel, selfish, mean-spirited fascists for their religious beliefs is really over the top. Don't you think? Tim Cook, Apple CEO as recently as March 29 called Christian business's "dangerous." Is this not condemning people who are different and with whom we disagree? The very same thing the LBGT community fought against for the past several decades. According to openly gay radio host Tammy Bruce,  "you would think if anyone can relate to vulnerability about work and jobs, being able to live your life as you see fit, it is the gay community."

From an outsider, this looks a lot like the LBGT community are bullies and fascists themselves. I think we can all agree we do not want another case of the "mob" taking over this situation. Tammy Bruce spoke some truth to the matter when she said, "instead of battling people of faith, the LBGT community should be doing the opposite, to defend especially those under attack like Christians is exactly what we should be doing."

Now like any disagreement, there are two sides to the issue. The conservative Christian view is that they must stand tall for the Word of God and His precepts. The first amendment protects our freedoms and liberties. I agree with this, however, there is more to the debate than first amendment rights and religious beliefs. There is common sense and if you are truly a Christian there is God's Word. So let's ask ourselves, what did Jesus do? I am glad you asked, because He said plenty. 

In John 8:1-11 Jesus is asked to intervene on behalf of a woman caught in the act of adultery. The Pharisees said, "according to the law of Moses this woman should be stoned, what do you say?" Jesus didn't say, I am sorry, I am the Christ, I can not be involved in this situation. Instead He said, if any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." This is a significant statement about judging others. You see, Jesus is saying, it is Gods role to judge, not ours. Our role is to show forgiveness and compassion. 

In Mark 2:15-17 Jesus is having dinner at Levi's house with many tax collectors and "sinners." When the teachers of the Law (the Pharisees) saw him they asked, "why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?" Jesus said to them, "it is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but the sinners."Jesus gladly associated with sinners because he loved them and they needed to hear what he had to say. We too, must befriend those who need Christ, even if they do not seem to be ideal companions. They may be the ones who most need to see and hear the message of Christ's love in and from you.

Finally, in John 13:1-20 the evening meal was being served , and the devil already prompted Judas Iscariot to betray Jesus. After the meal Jesus got up, took his outer clothing off, wrapped a towel around his waist. He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples feet. (7) Jesus states, "you do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand." (8) "Unless I wash you, (serve you) you have no part with me." (14) Now that I your Lord and teacher have washed your feet, (served you) you also should wash (serve) one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Jesus was a model servant, and he showed his servant attitude to his disciples. If even he, God in the flesh, is willing to serve, we his followers must also be servants willing to serve in any way that glorifies God.

In these three examples, Jesus demonstrates for us what He would do in today's challenging times. Faced with situations or people that you do not agree with regarding life decisions is not a reason to show judgement and rejection. No, these are the very situations and people that need to witness your faith in action. There is a message that you will send in every situation whether it is your intention or not. That message is either God Loves you or God despises you. I think the opportunity to demonstrate God's love, share Words of wisdom, pass along a Gospel track or two, and let the Holy Spirit take over the situation is the right choice to make. After all, it is the Lord that will use your efforts to possibly make a change in the heart of someone that needs to know Him more.