My Response to the Attempts to get 19 Kids and Counting off the Air

Recently I was reading through the news and saw that the LGBT community is trying to get 19 Kids and Counting taken off of the air because of their stance on traditional marriage.  It wasn't too long ago that this same attempt was made to remove or boycott Duck Dynasty because of anti-gay sentiments spoken in an interview by one of the cast members. 

Again and again we see this divisive issue coming up in our culture to the point where I believe that, if the LGBT community has their way, those who oppose this lifestyle will be considered akin to Hitler's Nazis or past slave owners.  It will be the issue that challenges the church. And this isn't just about gay marriage, but the entire concept of sexuality and gender identity.

This is already upon us--the question is how do we respond.  Truly there are two responses we must consider.  As American citizens, we have a right to have laws that represent the viewpoints of the majority of Americans.  We have the right to free speech and freedom of religion.  We should continue to uphold these rights because these rights pertain to all Americans and are foundational to our country.

However, there is a second response which I feel must be discussed--the Christian response.  Right now, we are attempting to fight this battle the same way we are fighting for our American rights, and we are failing.  That is because this battle is a spiritual battle and is won by truth and love.

As a church, are we making a big effort to reach out to, understand, and love the LGBT community?  Are we sharing the gospel in meaningful ways with them knowing that no one is ever argued into the kingdom?  

I truly believe that if we want to make a difference in our country for Christ, we need to stop taking the attacks personally.  Let's recognize it for the spiritual battle that it is.  "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age..." Ephesians 6:12.  Our first line of defense is to pray.  Pray for those who don't know Christ, to have a real encounter with Him.  Pray that God opens up opportunities where we can show love to those who oppose us.  

And then expect God to answer those prayers.  Be ready to be a witness not of condemnation, but of the glorious grace of Christ.  

As Americans, keep on fighting the good fight for our rights.  But, as Christians, remember the more important battle is for the souls of those whom God loves.