I am sitting here, in awe at the shock some Christians are expressing over the Transgender Revolution that is taking place in the United States. What I am not in shock over, is the simple fact that this is a reality. Why should anyone expect anything different? We have taken God and Christ out of the center of our country’s core and have placed the word of God beneath the word of man.
In December of 2011, a woman in Texas was fired by Macy’s for not allowing a transgender individual in the woman’s dressing room. That shocked me. It shocked me because it was the first time, I truly witnessed the unveiling of what was about to happen in our country.
Because of that, I began to realize that my children can not enter any dressing room (or bathroom) and have any privacy or safety. The memory of the hidden cameras in dressing rooms (from my youth) along with camera phones now being in everyone’s hands – it seems as though the only place a person may have for privacy is in their own home. While I have no doubt in believing many are confused by their sexual orientation, in a world infested with pornography, I also have no doubt in believing that many would claim to be something just to get a peek at a person of the opposite sex (for their own pleasure), thus saying they are one thing to gain access to dressing/bathrooms.
So, when the Massachusets Department of Elementary and Secondary Education begins implementing guidelines for the implementation of Transgender rights (based on this law) in schools that takes away the liberty of others, I am not shocked.
I am not shocked that they deem the rights of a child over the truth shared by a parent or a doctor. I am not shocked that a child can claim to be a boy at home and a girl at school.
What shocks me is that Christians are shocked. They are shocked by this and the ads during the Super Bowl Game.
Why are you shocked? And what are you really willing to do about it?
Do you want to continue watching our country live in a cesspool by giving up the liberty of all for the rights by a few very confused individuals who are not being taught the truth in school or at home (truth based on the Bible)? Do we want to continue living in a country that walks around singing “Jesus loves me” without reminding everyone that at no time did Jesus tell anyone to continue living in their sin? Do we not need to stand up and remind everyone that we are to reflect the son?
Yes, our words and actions should be loving and gentle, but to stand up and tell others that Jesus said they could live in their sin and still live an eternal life in Heaven – is blasphemy. And if you find a verse or chapter in the Bible that says otherwise, please show me.
Our country has lost it’s knowledge of Truth and Liberty. We have taken each and every individuals’ rights, based on what they think is right (without taking Biblical law into consideration) and they have blasted away at the Liberty of the Nation as a whole.
You see, every person has individual rights and freedoms (as granted by God), but those rights should not impede upon the freedom or safety/security of another. That’s Liberty. Liberty is when you, as an individual understand that we need to love our neighbors as ourselves. Just because we have the right to do something, does not mean we should if it has a negative impact on another human being.
Let’s consider this example. Many families have dogs. In our county, there is a chain law – you may not chain an animal up in your back yard. However, if you have a fence, you can leave them there. Now, let’s say you have dogs that bark non-stop. You have the ‘right’ to leave those dogs back there. But, your dogs may be impacting the peace of your neighbors. You are then impacting the liberty of those around you.
So, now, Chritians are upset because they can not believe what is going on at the hands of those they have elected to make decisions on their behalf. People pushing for change and equality. But, do you really know what that change will lead to? Or are you afraid to speak up? Because truth be known the authentic truth of the gospel is hated by those who don’t want to submit to the Creator of the Universe. Are you afraid you will be hated by men? Yes, that is a reality. But, consider your eternal soul and theirs.
The beauty of the gospel is found in submission. By admitting we are all sinners (me, I am like Paul – the worst of these). But, by God’s grace, he did send His son so that all could be reconciled. Reconciliation can not occur until a person submits to His laws and gives up his own rights, life and freedom to live in the truth of God’s word.
That is where freedom and liberty exist. When we love others enough to give up our own lives – not the safety and security of all, but our wants/desires…that truly are not of God.
In the midst of this chaos, our country is up in arms due to the imposing sequestration. Our family is already under sequestration due to the impacts of this year’s taxation and increase in our Health Care Insurance…so, to me, this is not a shock either, but that is another post in and of it’s self.
My question though, is truly this- When will America wake up? When will Christians wake up and stop playing the victim? When will you stand up for the truth of God’s word?
With that to say, I realize this post may be a bit of a shock. I have spent the last year writing posts I thought would appeal to many. I quit writing for the reason I began this journey. To share truth that others are not willing to do. So, if this is offensive, that is not my intent. It is a plea to wake others up. And if you want to comment, you have the right to do so -but please read my comment policy first and Cindy’s recent blog post may also be beneficial.
Sharing with Simply Helping Him
I suspect that many Christians are shocked! because they are so steeped in secularism that they are blind to the destructive power of sin. They are lukewarm and not immersed in the Truth, not equipped to handle even the slightest opposition, and so feign ignorance of the world around them. I believe many also participate in “lesser” cultural sins such as public lust in the form of those aforementioned superbowl commercials and use their “shock” as a cover for their real enjoyment of it. We are a hardened people. If we can’t turn from our own sins as (nominal) Christians, then how can we expect NON-Christians to do so?
Yes, Cindy – you are so right. Many who walk around saying they are Christians have never read the Bible or haven’t read it to hear how God wants them to change – to be immersed. There is a verse about being lukewarm – many should heed that…especially when they sell out their own families, lives and words to be ‘liked’ or read…
It is shocking that Christians can be so shocked. Really, did they not see any of this coming? Very well written, and thank you for the link to Cindy’s brilliant post also. Blessings, Rebecca!
Thank you Lynda. I’m glad you read Cindy’s. She has a great way of looking at things and breaking them down.
Fantastic Rebecca! The truth needs to be written, my husband and I often talk about how these times were to be expected and how surprised most Christians are…we all do need to wake up and I hope this is the first of many writings like this!
Sarah, yes, we do need to wake up. Thank you for your words and encouragement. I hope to be a little more open and available to sharing more about what’s really going on in the world
Thank you for speaking from the heart!!!! I am not at all offended. I was just saying something along these lines yesterday. (sort of) The question was asked in S.S. “When was the last time you won someone to the Lord?”(I add to this in saying…or even tried)
This was right after watching ‘The Church and Politics’ (part 1) in Chip Ingram’s ‘Culture Shock’. It was a touchy subject. God has put those in authority above us. PERIOD! Weather we like it or not….GULP! Not so easy to swallow! We want to say….how can this be….with abortion legal and same sex marriage….on and on I could go. But the fact remains….they are in authority above us! The majority has spoken…..and this is what they want. We are in the minority…..why does this shock us??? God didn’t say it was going to get better….he said it was going to get worse. So why are we shocked??? And why have we given up????? Why as believers are we just sitting back and saying OH WELL??? We are supposed to be about our Father’s business!!! We are to be sharing the gospel with people one by one!!! Planting seeds!!!! Not just pastors or missionaries….US….the whole body of Christ!!! I don’t know about you, but I know I am falling short!!! God help us to be bold in sharing the Gospel!!!! This is how souls are won in this morally corrupt, deprived, decaying world!!!!
http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/the-antichrist-is-here-and-not-yet-here
Tabitha, that post is quite eye-opening. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Yes, we are warned – and we live in a world that decays more every day. I’m working with several companies now who are focused on sharing God’s word across the globe. I can’t wait to share more about them soon!
Thank you for your willingness to tackle head-on a controversial subject. This is something that, while I was never shocked by it, I was certainly upset by how far it has gone.
For example, Girl Scouts has allowed trangendered (sounds so technical and official, doesn’t it?) children to join. I know that we are told that we need to be “tolerant” but what about the other side of the coin? Girl Scouts is not just the 7-year-olds selling cookies in front of the grocery store. Girl Scouts can be 17 years old. So, this scenario is perfectly possible according to their new policy (I was a Girl Scout for 8 years and a leader for 7 while my girls were in, so I’m pretty well versed in their policy): A boy who claims he feels like he should be a girl and wants to be a Girl Scout (there is no other burden of proof or psychological test that I am aware of at this point) can join. Then, he (he is still physically male, of course) can go to overnight camp where the adults are not to share tents with the girls because of the fear that adults might do bad things to the girls. What do you think might happen then? All in the name of the almighty “Tolerance.”
So my second argument is this. If our society at large believes that gender differences are made-up, then why does it matter if a boy wants to act like what we used to call a girl. He should not have to be considered “transgendered” in order to be allowed to act like a girl. He should be able to maintain his “he-ness” (whatever that means) and still be able to wear dresses (although I thought feminism considered the one-hemmed garment to be a sign of oppression, so he should not wear dresses if he wants to be an enlightened, empowered “woman.”) Anyway, the arguments of society at large contradict each other so badly, they can only argue vague things, like tolerance. Of course, if we point out the fallacies in their arguments, we are just doing so out of bigotry. Nevermind the fact that they are bigoted against us…
Should we love and respect each and every child, regardless of transgender claims, etc.? Of course we should. But sometimes (most times) love equals guidance and I really wonder what kind of guidance this little boy was getting from his parents? Parents these days are told not to interfere with their kids so if they didn’t interfere, they were just doing what they thought was right according to society (when we lack biblical guidance, we have to make things up as we go.)
Yes, we do live in a world that contradicts it’s self. There a lot more I want to write about that in light of children, parents and society. Slowly, the words are coming and I know they will soon. Thank you for your thoughts. Yes, each child is precious….but, when we throw the Bible out – where do we find a common truth? And – what are we idolizing that God warns us about. Great points!
Amen.
We should not be surprised, we live in a fallen world. It’s going to get worse, and then worse again!!! It’s being a light a walking bible to those that refuse to believe or hear. We may be the only bible people will ever read, live it, show it, read it!
Great article, I didn’t feel condemned or judge at all, but was encouraged as I read it and AGREED on all aspects. If we are mature in the word, not just drinking ” milk only” then we will understand what is going on in this world.
With my own personal family situation I have asked , why, and in complete shock. I am constantly reminded.. We live in a fallen world, people have turn their backs on God, they have taken prayer out of schools, removed as much of God as possible in schools and government.
Yes, we do live in a fallen world and we all sin. Me, I’m praying for more obedience in my own life. So, I know that my sin is no less of a sin than the one I speak of here. Thank you for your kind words – and encouragement.
I was just talking with a friend about this a few weeks ago! Well said my friend!
Thanks – I’d love to hear more about your conversation!
This— is an excellent post!
Thank you for writing it.
Thanks – I’d love to hear more about your conversation!
Though I did not know about this latest development in legislation, I dare say, I’m not shocked. In fact, I’m kinda sad that I’m not shocked. Personally, I’d like to be wrong with my assumption that society is quickly moving even further from our Creator, and taking many along. So many people lost, grappling for truth. May we each stand firm in our beliefs and share the Truth of the Gospel.
Oh, and can I add that your comment about people being shocked about the Super Bowl commercials cracked me up – in complete understanding!!! I read a few articles about individuals so upset. All I could think was, um, you can change the channel you know? or even leave the room if it isn’t your tv? You don’t have to watch them. There is always a choice. However, with the legislation, I would hope we do not turn a blind eye on it. Ignoring commercials is one thing, but ignoring legislature is a completely different issue.
Thank you for taking a stance and shining light on these latest happenings.
I think all Christians need to read the Bible and compare their lives to what we read. I never used to want to read it because I felt guilty and didn’t want to change. Slowly, Christ is changing me through His words and my prayers. Slowly. I’m still a sinner and will be. But, when he opens my eyes to sin, I must be willing to submit and change. So many are missing that point now and it is so sad.
We are all sinners in need of His grace. I, too, know this first hand and am well aware of my own falling short, and am forever grateful for His abundant mercy and grace. Rereading my original comment, I realize I may have sounded harsh. That was never intended, and I sincerely apologize if anyone took it harshly or judgmental. Certainly I do not believe I have it all figured out. I was simply trying to convey we all need to take a responsible approach and not a victim approach to what is happening in our world today.
Dorie, I didn’t think your original comment sounded harsh. It’s difficult to write our ‘thoughts’ sometimes because others can’t hear the compassion in our voice – especially on sensitive topics
Thanks for sharing this and bring it to light. I am linked next to you over at Simply Helping Him.
Just wanted to say I agree with every word you have written..and thank you for writing it!
Bonnie, Thank you. I don’t want to offend anyone. I know we are all sinners. I just don’t think we are heading in the right direction.
Excellent post!
Thank you!
I can’t say that I’m shocked at the news I hear, but I am most definitely disturbed by it.
Michelle, I know we live in a fallen world, it just seems that we are giving more freedom to some and taking safety away from others…
You go, girl! The truth will set us free. And if we are free, we are free indeed. It is time to speak up, as you have done. Thank you.
Love this post! Glad to have found your blog via FB. Blessings.
I”m glad you found me! I hope you’ll be back to visit often.
From a mother that has a child that has CHOSEN the path of homosexuality. Thank you, Thank you for this writing. Sometimes we feel alone even at our own church. Within my own family I have been accused of bigotry, hate, how could you treat your child that way, what kind of mother are you. The ugliness goes on and on. I stand firm in love and will follow God’s word. My daughters CHOICE has separated the family. It is more important to her to get others on her side than it is to hear truth. The pain that our child has chosen this path is a deep wound. She knows not what she does, but she does and has chosen the path anyway. My heart bleeds for her and others. They are being deceived and lied to by so many and even other Christians. Her separation from God tears us up inside. So many believe they can live this life and still walk with God without repentance. My husband and I never saw it coming. She was taught the truth but choose the lie. Please continue to stand firm with parents that need the support. God Bless You and your writings.
I’m so sorry to hear about what you are going through. It’s hard as a parent to remember to love our children and hate their sin. So often, even when I sin, it’s hard for me to remember it’s my sin, not ‘me’ people are identifying that needs to change. Me, I’m not perfect. I can’t change me – only God can. I will pray for you, your family and your daughter. I know you will keep your arms open for her!
We look at society for what is changing in our world but another option is to look at our churches. Our pastors, deacons and those in charge of making decisions on what is preached and the values that churches will hold to have failed their congregations. When you have watered down churches preaching watered down sermons where lines are not clearly drawn and “appealing” to the non-christian is the name of the game this is where it takes you. Out of that comes weak willed Christians simply looking to love others without the opposite side of the coin, which is telling them about Christ and accountability for sins. It reminds of the Bible story where as I child is was told the wiseman builds his house upon the rock, Our churches are being built on sand.
Dawn, yes, we need strong leaders in our churches-speaking truth and equipping Christians. All too often, the sermons are aimed at saving the lost. Yet, I wonder – have we missed something? Are the lost supposed to be found and saved and then brought into the church? We can’t change the truth of God at any point in time. To do so is to go against Him – and it is stated in the Bible (Rev 22:18-19). Thank you for your comment. We need people to be strong in Christ, God and the Word. They can’t be if they are not reading it, praying over it and hearing it in church. What can we do to change that?
“All too often, the sermons are aimed at saving the lost. Yet, I wonder – have we missed something?”
Yes! We have missed something! I am personally so frustrated because very few churches are teaching practical Christian living for fear of offending someone or being legalistic. Christians think we should look and act like the world so the world will not think we are weird; but God says we are to be set apart for Him. We are supposed to be salt and light, but we have lost our savor and are walking in darkness. Why would a lost person be drawn to the God we serve when they don’t see anything in our lives that is different than the way they live? It is time for Christians to remove the world’s ways from our lives and fill our lives with God’s ways so we can walk in Him.
Thanks for posting this. This topic has been on my heart for some time now.
Thank you Missy. I’ve been so sad to see many in the leadership function begin hitting on the truth and as soon as it rocks the boat, they go soft or they fall out of line with the truth of the Word. I’m not a theologian and I don’t have any degrees in theology. But, I do have a Bible and can read God’s word…Thank you for your encouraging comments!