Every once
in a while I find myself addressing topics I never imagined addressing.
For instance, 10 years ago I never imagined having to address the topic gay “marriage.”
However, as our culture continues to deteriorate morally, I find myself in a
position of spiritual leadership that requires addressing things that were once
unimaginable. Os Guinness noted that ours is “an age of advertising and
political correctness that will put up with unbelievable levels of nonsense.” There
is no better picture of that than our current debate over the use of public
restrooms. Specifically, at issue is whether or not one can reject his or her
God-given gender, self-identify as the opposite sex, and then enjoy all of the privileges
publicly afforded to the opposite sex, including use of that gender specific
restroom. Those wishing to do so have
found a cultural environment ready to champion the cause. Even as I type that
out Romans 1 rings in my mind, “For although they knew God, they did not
honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their
thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they
became fools. (Rom 1:21-22, ESV).
On the one hand, I am shocked that
we are in this position of having these conversations, but on the other I am
not because I know what the Bible says about moral depravity. The question
becomes how do we, as Bible believing Christians, respond to this? While I
certainly cannot give an exhaustive response in this format, let me give you a
few thoughts.
First, we should pray for our
culture as well as our response to it. I cannot over emphasize the importance
of this. Prayer is very key. We should pray both for those who consider
themselves transgender, as well as the society that champions that cause. We
should pray in a gospel centered way, recognizing that all are individuals every
bit as in need of Christ as we. We should pray privately concerning these
matters, and we should pray corporately as well. In that, you should make the
church’s corporate prayer gatherings a priority in your life.
Second, we should stay in the Word
of God. We should not be getting our cues from the culture. The Word of God
should inform and dictate what we believe about these things. Paul said in
Romans 12 that we are to “abhor what is evil and hold fast to what is good.”
Good and evil are defined by God and do not change as the culture changes. The
culture may call “good” that which God has said is “evil,” but it will always
be what God has said. This is one of the reasons we are in constant need of
having our minds renewed by the Word of God, so we can discern what is the will
of God, what is good (Rms 12:2).
Third, use wisdom when in public.
If you are a parent, take your child to the restroom and do not send them there
alone. Lots of public places have family restrooms. Take advantage of those
when possible. If you find yourself in a situation in which someone claiming to
be transgender is in a restroom, make every effort to politely remove yourself
from the situation.
Fourth, let your voice be heard. As
we have seen, businesses have begun to jump on board with this agenda. It is
good to politely express your concerns. Remember, that while it is fine to
express that to a local branch of a big retailer, the management of such a store,
like Target, receives orders from a corporate office. It may be better to
express your concerns in written form, and again politely. Also, it is good to
express your concerns with your wallet. Thankfully, we are still in a position
to do business elsewhere.
Finally, remember who we are. We
are ambassadors of Christ. This world is not our home. Our citizenship is in
heaven. We are here on mission for Him, to make disciples of all nations. We are to be a people of great optimism. Why? Because even as the
cultural climate darkens and becomes more hostile towards us, we know Who wins in
the end and we are His!
