Ok, I hoped that title would get your attention! Those who know me assume that Politically I fall about as far right from centre as you can get. I have been called a “hell fire and brimstone preacher” as not too many Sundays go by that I don't mention the fact that sinners apart from Christ will be judged apart from Christ and will receive hell for all eternity. Yes, this I believe. I have also been known for challenging openly those who teachers in the Church, who teach something other than Scripture. But what I say now may be a bit surprising to those who think in more political terms. I write this to challenge. You may disagree and if you do go to the Bible.
I was struck tonight watching Q and A. A woman, in speaking about the gay marriage debate, asked the panel (she was a card maker) if a gay couple was getting married would she, as a Christian, be forced to make them invitations? Now let me say, politically and socially I believe she should have the right to refuse service to anyone just as the couple who may come to her would have the right to go elsewhere for their invitations. But I struggle with the clause “as a Christian”.
“As a Christian” Christ died for you while you were still sinners. “As a Christian” God gave you the gift of eternal life. You were his enemy because of your sins. He offered you grace. “As a Christian” you were told the Gospel of Jesus Christ by someone who was willing to give you that gift, even though you were a sinner. So you, as a Christian were at one time a sinner, and you being an enemy of Christ were still loved by him and were given grace, even though you were sinful and didn't deserve it.
Not too long ago I sat in meeting of Christian leaders and was surprised that these leaders were joking and mocking about other races and about illegal immigrants. The topic of “dole bludgers” also came up. The joking was crude and sentiment lacked grace. I was more than surprised... I was disgusted, especially as these ministers of Grace laughed as each crude and unkind word was spoken. I have seen and heard Christians make threatening comments (usually as a lame attempt at humor) towards Muslims. I have heard them carry on with jokes that involve inuendo about homosexuals. And all of this says that we Christians should somehow do everything we can to keep away from us, illegal immigrants, homosexuals, the poor, Muslims, tax cheats, convicted criminals, atheists, and anyone who sins.
What is forgotten is that sin is sin, and the sin of crude joking and careless and hurtful words is one that is mentioned quite specifically. James would say that the religion of those who do not “bridle their tongue is worthless.” Ephesians 5 says that any such person has no place in the inheritance of God. Jesus says in Matthew 12 that on the day of judgement people will have to give account for every careless word the spoke.
Often I believe Christians think that the command of Matthew 28 really says “Stay, therefore and be disciples of Jesus Christ, separating yourselves from anyone not baptised in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and so that you don't have to teach them anything, and remember, always, I am here for you, you perfect Church attending, blue blooded, great person, and I will never be with those others, you have me all to yourself.”
Look at it this way. Say a gay couple owned a bakery. Would you use them for your wedding or event? Chances are we'd find the nearest “Christian” bakery. OK, here's what Jesus did. While in Samaria he was thirsty and he went to a woman, a woman he knew to be a great sinner, perhaps even a prostitute, a woman who clearly did not understand the God of Israel, a Samaritan (not an Israelite Jew) and he said, “give me a drink of water”. She was surprised. But he spoke to her through this and shared with her the truth. This was similar to what he did with Matthew the cheating and traitorous tax collector and Saul (Paul) the murderer of Christians.
You see this attitude of separation makes no sense. If you're a Christian (or even a Christian business owner) what is your command? “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I command.” Instead, often Christians go through their day with Christian friends, listening to Christian music, visiting only Christian Businesses, going home to their Christian families. Many Christians are adamant about restricting their workplaces, schools and neighbourhoods from sinners. But the Bible says in James 5 that anyone who “turns a sinner from their sin will save their soul from death”, but how will we do this if we are never around sinners. How can we make disciples of all nations when we refuse to associate with anyone who does not fit into our nation.
So back to the question from the woman during Q and A. Should she have the right to deny a gay couple service? That is a political question. But as a Christian what should she do? Well, our call is to make disciples of all nations and to teach everything he commanded. So yes make their cards, and everytime they come into your shop remind them of the Gospel, share the Bible with them, build such a relationship with them that you can speak Jesus into their lives and that they would respect you enough to listen. Tell them honestly that God sent Jesus to die on the cross for their sins and that he calls them to repent of their sins.
What is easier to say, no I will not serve you, I don't want you in my neighbourhood, in my school, in my work place, or God loves you but you need to repent for his kingdom is near? Clearly the first is the easiest but the second is what we are called to do.
We are not called to separate ourselves from sinners, we are called to save them.