Great leaders and the Christian community have emphatically condemned Lauren Daigle, a well celebrated Christian music artist, for her unwillingness to call homosexuality a sin when publicly asked. With so much disdain, I felt it best not to refrain from commenting because I actually felt sorry for Lauren. The sensitivity of the topic and lack of sound biblical knowledge may have played a part in her response. However, Lauren is not alone in her response and should not take be singled out. If many of us would truly search our hearts, we would know that we might have responded just as Lauren did if we were in her position where public opinion matters. What should Lauren have said? What should the Christian response be to this question?
Is Lauren at fault for her response, or can we equally fault pastors and Christian leaders for their failure to adequately equip and inform their congregations of this growing crisis? If leaders would confront this issue head on, addressing the fears and struggles and gathering resources, Christians would be better able to respond with boldness and confidence about our stand on God’s Word. Leaders must first be able to stand without compromise and demonstrate the convictions of our heart. Pastors must address and teach on those hard topics that inform people about holy sexuality and God’s righteous plan for relationships between male and female. This is such a relevant issue that it can’t be ignored, and the biblical truth should not be compromised. Pastors need to proclaim that homosexuality is a sin and the power of Jesus Christ for healing and restoration.
Jesus made no apologies for preaching the truth. He did not gain popularity for preaching against sin. In fact, our Redeemer healed the sick, fed the poor and raised the dead, and they still nailed Him to the cross. If we remain silent, the rocks will cry out against us.
John 15:18-25 says:
If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. But because you are not of the world, since I chose you out of the world, the world therefore hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My words, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have had sin. But now they have no excuse for their sin. He who hates Me hates My Father also. If I had not performed among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin. But now have they seen and hated both My Father and Me. But that the word which is written in their law might be fulfilled, “They hated Me without a cause.”
We have an opportunity to use this as a teachable moment. Many do not know how to respond to a question like “Do you think homosexuality is a sin?” Your answer could be, “Yes, but so is lying, killing and having sex outside of marriage.” As Christians, we don’t make the rules. We are to abide by them. Most of us have a job in the secular world. If you do not abide by the rules that have been given to you, you will be fired. Christians have been given a manual called the Bible. It is our guideline for how God wants us to live. Those who love God will abide by it.
In this world today, we have many men, women and families suffering in silence because they don’t have true confidence in the church to get them through their struggles. Pastors need to protect their sheep by educating them about the wolves in sheep’s clothing that are lingering right in their midst, ready to desensitize the weak-minded person to the growing epidemic of the lost sexual identities. Support groups are great, but we need to teach freedom from the pulpit and teach God’s plan for sexuality right into the hearts of everyone who comes through the doors.
It is heartbreaking to see us draw the gay people into the church but remain unable to support them through the process of transformation and deliverance. Our lack of knowledge and often plain avoidance leave these people without hope and no pathway to freedom. We want them to be free, but the church will be the first to turn our backs on them.
I will never forget when I went to a luncheon in July 2018 given by Vision America in Dallas. It was called the “America’s Awakening Lunch.” During the Q & A session, it was mentioned that Jack Philips from Colorado won his case against the two gay men who were trying to sue him for not baking them a cake.
Afterwards, I went up to the gentleman and thanked him for mentioning Jack Philips’ story. He was one of the black pastors who spoke on the Supreme Court steps on Jack’s behalf.
This person shook my hand, then ran as fast as he could. This type of rejection is common toward those who have stepped out of the lifestyle. We deal with this on a regular basis from pastors, political leaders and many Christians all over America. Some leaders and pastors are afraid to be seen with the freed homosexual. I sense that they feel we are too radical because of what Jesus did for us. This is so sad.
When someone comes into your church and you become aware that they are practicing a homosexual life, it is up to you to fine-tune your ear to God to hear their cry for help. They might not want your help in the beginning. We have to remember that transformation is a process. As they get to know you, they will open up and receive what you have to offer. They need to know they belong before they believe. As you put love on display, get to know them as a person, not their sexuality. God will give you the signal when it’s time to chat with them about their lifestyle.
Keep in mind that often, they have been living a homosexual lifestyle for many years. My experience has been that it takes time to step all the way out of this lifestyle and be completely free. Many times, men will dress like women and women like men. You will not see the outer appearance change right away. Change comes from the inside out and not the other way around.
Many such as I have a story to tell about how Jesus set us free from the bondage of homosexuality. Do you think the Lord set us free to be silent? Absolutely not! Our testimonies are to help you see that He can change you from your bondages. We read of God’s healing power every time we read the Bible. He did it so often. He has given us a chance to tell our stories so others can be free.
Pastors, stand with us side by side, and give us a chance to tell people they can be free. {eoa}
