As a believer I am overwhelmed with the importance of the coming election and all that it portends for our country. My concerns about issues that are rooted in the truth of God’s Word motivate me as we faithfully pray for our country. Issues of economics and national defense are the front page news items but the political debauchery and moral decay of our country are hugely responsible for the mess we are in. Political solutions and military strategy will not change what is wrong with our country.
The abandonment of our commitment to the sanctity of life impacts the issues of abortion and euthanasia so that at each end of the life cycle there are repercussions. Our treatment of individuals whether as prisoners of war, aging citizens of society, illegal aliens working in our country, or unprotected babies in the womb reflects our value of life and the choices we make to secure it.
Where I am most frightened as a pastor, father and grandfather is in our state court’s decision to overturn the voter initiative approved by 61% of Californians in 2000 that simply said, “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California”. Four activist judges in San Francisco disregarded the people’s vote so now a constitutional amendment is in place to restore the definition of marriage as between a man and a woman in State Proposition 8.
A “no” vote on this proposition bas been characterized by ProtectMarriage.com this way. “…the sanctity of marriage will be destroyed and its powerful influence on the betterment of society will be lost. (it)…would result in the very meaning of marriage being transformed into nothing more than a contractual relationship between adults. No longer will interests of children and families even be a consideration…The marriage of a man and a woman has been at the heart of society since the beginning of time. It promotes the ideal opportunity for children to be raised by a mother and father in a family held together by the legal, communal and spiritual bonds of marriage. “
Porposition 8 protects the people’s will about preserving marriage. It is not an attack on the gay lifestyle nor does it take away any rights or benefits for domestic partners. It protects our children from being taught in public schools that same-sex marriage is the same as traditional marriage. It also protects churches from being prosecuted for teaching that homosexuality is sin, a basic biblical doctrine.
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsome has said, “If we lose, our movement will be dealt a blow that will set us back on a whole range of issues.” He is right. The attempt to redefine marriage will have succumbed to the will of the people once again. And traditional marriage as we know it—as God’s Word defines it—will be preserved.
You may feel ambivalent about the national election. Frankly, though the issues are of infinite importance, I have had difficulty being excited about either candidate. Moral issues, however, and the future composition of the Supreme Court in addressing the content of these, is a deep concern of mine and is a determination in how I will ultimately decide my vote.
For Christians, there should be no confusion about Proposition 8—Democrat, Republican or Independent. The Bible is clear about marriage. Ephesians 5 reminds us of the unique relationship between a husband and a wife and Ephesians 6 about their relationship as parents to their children. To alter that is an assault on everything for which the Word of God stands.
And it is reason enough for everyone of us to vote on November 4th. Do it prayerfully.
No comments:
Post a Comment