Once again the battle lines are drawn – on one side those that accept the same sex marriage ruling – and on the other, those who do not. Seems that it was not too long ago that a similar skirmish took place on the point of whether or not corporal punishment for children should be allowed. And then there was the issue in a certain denomination as to whether women should be allowed to be priests.
In all cases, the debates rage, the emotions flare and some sort of law is ratified by the concerned governmental bodies. Obviously I am thankful when the decisions reached are in alignment with the Word of God – though they rarely are. However, in the end, for the attitude of the concerned Christian believer, is there really any difference?
Yes, the laws are passed, the documents processed and the ink is allowed to dry – but has that changed the truth of the Bible? Now that same sex marriages are recognized by the authorities, should I start teaching my children that homosexuality is an acceptable lifestyle before God? Now that prayer is disallowed in schools, should I teach them that whenever they’re in a school they should never ask for God’s help? Now that certain churches ordain priests, should I suggest to them that the Bible is wrong when it says that Jesus Christ was to be the last priest? And now that corporal punishment is considered contrary to the written law, should I spare the rod and allow my children to be spoiled?
The Word of God is full of records of men and women who were faced with similar predicaments. The Median government said the people could pray to none but Darius the King. God stopped the mouths of deadly lions when Daniel continued to pray to Him alone. The Babylonian King, Nebuchadnezzar, said that at the sound of his musicians – if the people did not bow to him they would burn in a fiery furnace. God, on the other hand said to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego that if they did not bow, they would not burn.
This is not an exhortation to defy the laws of the land. The Bible’s clear guidance is to honour the ruling authorities, to live peaceably with all men, to live honestly and justly. But when the ruling kings, councils and presidents pass laws that defy the truth of scripture, the Christian believer is faced with a decision. Will he or she obey God first? The Apostles when told that they were to no longer speak God’s Word, declared,
Acts 4:18 – 20
“And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”
And then when they were put in prison for their stand, an angel of the Lord released them and they continued to speak God’s Word. Their response to the authorities?
Acts 5:29
“Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.”
What will your decision be?