As with other Christians, homosexuals must understand that their righteousness is found in Jesus Christ, NOT in their own works. Nevertheless, as with ALL Christians, those who have accepted Christ's sacrifice, repented, and have been baptized will walk consistently within the new life which they have been given. What does that mean? It means that his/her life will reflect a desire to love God with his/her whole heart and soul and to love others as his/herself. This applies to all areas of his/her life, including those related to sexual or romantic practices. ALL Christians MUST seek to treat others in the same way that they would like themselves to be treated!
In other words, a Christian homosexual will NOT just seek to satisfy his/her own needs but will diligently seek to minister to/address the needs of others. This, of course, will preclude selfish or self-satisfying behaviors. It will also require humility, respect, empathy, compassion, mercy, forgiveness, kindness, and love. In other words, a homosexual Chistian will NOT be impatient, boastful, arrogant, irritable, rude, hateful, bitter, or resentful. Likewise, a homosexual Christian will NOT take what does not belong to him/her. He/She will be faithful to, and honest with, their friends and partners. Moreover, as with their heterosexual counterparts, this will exclude their participation in behaviors like domestic abuse/violence, incestuous relationships, pedophilia, prostitution, promiscuity, adultery, drug/alcohol abuse, bestiality, or non-consensual intercourse of any kind. Indeed, his/her participation in ANY of these prohibited behaviors should be regarded as being inconsistent with his/her profession of faith in Christ and SIN!
What is the bottom line? A homosexual Christian's life MUST reflect the same moral behavior expected of their heterosexual brothers and sisters in Christ! If a homosexual Christian makes a commitment to another individual to act as a spouse, he/she should NOT be lusting after folks who are not his/her spouse. In other words, there AREN'T ANY special standards or exemptions for Christians who happen to be homosexuals! All true Christians will NOT want to engage in any behavior(s) which might hurt/harm others. Finally, homosexual Christians should NOT want to offend their heterosexual brothers and sisters in Christ or engage in public behaviors which might bring dishonor to the Church or Christian Community as a whole. This is NOT Rocket Science or Advanced Theology, just ONE STANDARD for everybody! May God bless all of our individual efforts to remain within "His" will. Amen!
I can say that as a straight man with tons of flaws and failures of my own which I must struggle with, regularly, the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak for all of us here below. I like that you did not excuse away certain behaviors.
ReplyDeleteAnd I also appreciate that you did not include "judge and condemn others because their sins are obviously worse than yours" in your list of things required of Christians. What a study in contrasts modern Christianity can be. We love to completely excuse ourselves from any responsibility while bringing the hammer down on others.
Lonnie/Miller here: Thanks for the thoughtful comments. I am pleased to be able to give them a hearty Amen!
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