Post 11 - Setting Boundaries on Highly Volatile Issues

 Post 11 

Portaging may require I navigate obstacles.

Setting Boundaries on Highly Volatile Issues

I want to preface what I'm about to say with this: God knows my heart, and He isn't disappointed in me for wrestling with this topic. He doesn't label me homophobic though others might. 

Let me remind you, none of us have it all figured out, and we all have the freedom to think, question, and express what we believe or feel in our heart. Yes, even if you disagree with what I say, (and some will strongly disagree), that doesn't negate my freedom to share my thoughts transparently (at least in my own blog post). I know full well, I can't share these thoughts in social media without being attacked. 

This topic of deconstruction is uncomfortable for me, and I recognize that no one can promise to be completely nonjudgmental, surely not I. In Chapter 23 of the book, it suggests we forgive and fully embrace the LGBTQ+ community in our churches. But I struggle with being told I have to do this in a certain way.

I acknowledge that people in sexual minorities have souls needing nourishment, just as anyone else does. However, I also feel frustrated by the constant presence of their lifestyle being pushed in every part of our culture. I'm on the new app Bluesky now. Many American 'Liberals' are there. I have never seen so many LGBTQ+ bios as I have there! 

It is not normal for me. Maybe it's a Los Angeles thing. I know the US liberals made this community one of their campaign focuses--maybe too much so. We are not all on the same board with that aspect of life. 

I'm 66 years old. Never in my lifetime have there been so many that seem gender or sexually confused as now. And hearing about it is hard to escape—whether in media, TV, or public spaces. 

My position is what people do behind closed doors should stay private. Isn't that more respectful? Why does it have to be in a person's bio? Should I state that I'm heterosexual and monogamous? I'd probably be attacked for such!  There is a huge imbalance and I don't want to play the game.

Personal Boundaries

There are certain topics where I've drawn mental boundaries. I did this with my daughter years ago after a conversation went army.  We had to agree to disagree. This generation has no clue of what how our generation was raised.

I don’t claim to understand everything, and I have some biases that remain. I tend to just put some topics off the discussion table. They are too unsettling to my fragile mind. I believe in protecting my mind. I get enough stress headaches.

I believe everyone has the right to their values and beliefs, and just as a gay person may not want to attend a conservative church, I’m not inclined to attend a church that actively affirms what I'm not comfortable with. If a church tries to grow by embracing the LGBTQ2+ community but risks losing members like me, it could be a zero-sum game.

I interact with people from the LGBTQ2+ community everywhere I go as many do. In fact, one instructor at my gym waves a rainbow flag on her car. I don’t judge her for it; it's simply a lifestyle and belief system that feels very different from my own. 

God gives us the freedom to choose. I believe that these choices, including how we view issues of identity, are between us and God. It isn't up to me to play God. It is to God we will all give accountability to one day. This topic doesn’t need to be a matter that divides entire churches or communities, in my opinion.

The coneflowers have deconstructed.

What Business is it to You? 

When I read the advice mentioned above in this book, I found myself thinking, “No, that’s not my focus.” I’m not got to beg the gay community for forgiveness for something I've not done. I'm not going to hug them. (Covid protocols were good at shutting down both handshakes and hugs anyhow. And, my son tested positive for Covid just four weeks ago!) 

I'm not here to adopt the latest social trends, bend to culture, or conform to what’s politically correct. I’m called to love others as best I can—though I’m not perfect at it. My goal is to follow Jesus as my model, not to follow the changing standards of the world.

This prompt says things well. Sometimes the best thing to do is to not think, wonder, imagine and obsess, but to have faith everything is working out according to God's plan. At least, that's how I retain my sanity. 

God is still in control.
I look to God, not man.

My Guidance System 

I know a trend these days is not to say, "Well the Bible says..." (can you believe it?). A trend is to not quote actual scripture when writing as well, but to paraphrase it. But there are times and places where sharing scripture is best. It is powerful. And these are some verses that I use to help me come to terms with some of these difficult topics. 

My best answer, especially as it relates to a woman's right to her decisions (abortion) and the transgender/gay issues, is reflected in these Scriptures: 

2 Corinthians 5:10 (NIV):

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad."

 

Romans 14:12 (NIV):

"So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God."

These passages highlight the individual responsibility all have before God and encourages personal accountability for their choices and actions.

This is the side I take when following American politics and seeing how many Christians want to vote based on their feelings against these issues. My feeling is the government should not be attempting to regulate these things. As some have said, the government needs to stay out of the bedroom and doctor's office. And, the authors of the book can suggest we repent and hug the gays, but the choice is ultimately ours. 

Each person is accountable to God for their choices. 

 

 

Photo above shared on Facebook by 
Mindful Christianity
Oct 10, 2024

Proceed to POST 12