How Could I Possibly Be "Both?"
- The Goldy Gay
- Mar 13, 2019
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 13, 2019
Ok, for the Biblical more theoretical side...
The Bible is crystallized in one sentence: Love your God above everything and your neighbor as yourself (Matt. 22:37). Paul is on the same page when he writes that all the commandments of the law stem from one commandment, which is: “Love your neighbour as yourself” (Rom. 13:9). For this reason, one who loves one’s neighbour has fulfilled the requirements of the law. If I love God above all things, then I will not be willing to bow down to other gods – created or man-made – and to regard them as the highest authority in my life. If I love my neighbor as myself, then I will not speak disparagingly of others, set myself above others, treat others as second class citizens, demonize or threaten others. If I love myself, I will avoid everything that could harm me spiritually, emotionally or physically. The Old Testament laws and New Testament instructions are merely examples of what loving God, others and ourselves look like in practice. Not all moral commandments (in my opinion) are eternal and universal, even if God would have given them in certain historical circumstances. Some of them are clearly cultural- and time-dependent. (Piercings and tattoos, the Bible talks against them but they are not “sins”) Some may even express the moral views of the ancient Israelites more than God’s absolute will. For example slavery has been practiced since the beginning of humankind. The law of Moses, which was given by God, allowed the Israelites to keep slaves. It made a relatively clear distinction between Jewish and non-Jewish slaves. The Israelites were allowed to be kept in slavery for up to six years, after which time they became free (Exo. 21:1-8). The Jewish slaves, who are called servants in many translations, were not allowed to be treated cruelly in an arbitrary manner (Lev. 25:43). It seems that the law also obligated the Israelites to treat their non-Jewish slaves better than they were treated in many surrounding nations. The New Testament does not speak against slavery. Even some Christians had slaves (Philemon), but they had to treat them well.
Now to put this topic into our century, what about having "slaves" now? How do we feel about slavery now? I know that I witnessed a pastor who defended slavery once and they were said to not be regarded as a “real” Christian. If a pastor preached slavery today he would banned from the pulpit. This is a little example that not all moral concepts are considered unchanging even among God’s people. Would God allow Christians to have slaves in the current historical and social context although slavery is considered to be contrary to the moral standards of the civilized world? Would it?
Another example. Divorce. What does the Bible say about divorce? Does is say “divorce is ok if your husband/wife is hurting you physically” or “divorce is ok if the other cheats” or “divorce is ok if the spouse is not happy anymore” or “divorce is ok if one of the spouses wants it…”
Matthew 5: 31-32 “But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.” and 1 Cor 7: 10-11 “And unto the married I command, [yet] not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from [her] husband. “(More divorce verses are: Matthew 19 and Luke 16 and Exodus 14:4)
But what about today? How is divorce talked about today? I don’t know about you, but I know of some pastors that are divorced, does that make them any less of a preacher of the Word?
I have heard of many people today that say “it’s ok to divorce if your partner doesn’t want you anymore” or “it is ok to divorce if you tried everything you can to stay together…” Does it make them any less of people if they are divorced? Do “divorced” people get judged and looked down upon in our society today? Do “divorced” people get to live happy normal lives loving who they are with?
In my opinion, it comes down to having a relationship with our Lord. If you have a relationship with Him, and believe that He came and died on the cross for our sins and rose again and we serve a living Father, then what else matters?
Everyone has THEIR OWN PERSONAL beliefs, doubts, and relationships with our Savior. Who are we to dictate how others serve and live their lives?
Ok back to topic…
What about living with someone without being married? 1 Cor. 6:18, Genesis 2:24, Ephesians 5:5.
What about cheating? Exodus 20:14 “Never commit adultery.
Hebrews 13:4 Let marriage be kept honorable in every way, and the marriage bed undefiled. For God will judge those who commit sexual sins, especially those who commit adultery.
If someone has done any of these things, are you going to say “oh that’s in the past and that sin is forgiven?” Or “everything happens for a reason” or “you should love me anyway” ...
Although these things “Biblically” are “wrong,” does that make you any more or less of a sinner? Or loved by God any more or less?
Everyone has to deal with their sin and heart on their own. IT IS NO ONE ELSES BUSINESS BUT THEM AND GOD. That is it! When we die and come face to face with our Savior, is there going to be others around to help or judge? No. Just God.
The gay marriage issue still divides Christians to this day. I don’t know why this topic is “more of a sin” than any others. Every sin is the same. God does not judge the criminal or the thief or the murderer any more or any less.
Who are we to say what is right and wrong in the Bible. Who are we to choose what is right and wrong and to judge others when we are not even judging ourselves. Today everyone points fingers. Who are we to pick and choose what sins are “bad” and what sins are “ok.”
Ok I’m going to wrap this up for now…
Lastly, it’s ok if you disagree with me. If you don’t agree, then we will agree to disagree. 1 John 4:20 “If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.”
Why waste our life arguing on who is right and who is wrong. Why can’t we love each other and let God deal with us the way He sees fit. Anyways ... all this to say everyone has their own relationship with the Lord. It's a personal one on one relationship with you and God. Everyone has their own standards and beliefs. Yours may not be the same as mine, but that doesn’t mean mine are wrong.
Many say, I just don’t believe that you can be “both.”
If you stumble about believability, what are you living for? Love is hard to believe, ask any lover. Life is hard to believe, ask any scientist. God is hard to believe, ask any believer. What is your problem with 'hard to believe?'
Just love and live. I mean, we only have one life, why spend it judging.
Comments