So with all the talk in the news lately about Bruce Jenner, and the Supreme court decision on gay marriage. It makes me sad that it seems to bring out the worst in people. Especially people who profess to be Christians.
The definition of Christian
adj ..1. Professing belief in Jesus as Christ or following the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus.
2. Relating to or derived from Jesus or Jesus's teachings.
3. Manifesting the qualities or spirit of Jesus, especially in showing concern for others.
4. Relating to or characteristic of Christianity or its adherents.
n.
1. One who professes belief in Jesus as Christ or follows a religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus.
2. One who lives according to the teachings of Jesus.
I am afraid many of us are not truly Christians if you look at our actions.We talk the talk but don't walk the walk.
Since when does Agency only apply to those who agree with us? As a Mormon we have 13 articles of Faith that pretty well sum up our beliefs. The 11th articles states " We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege,let them worship how, where, or what they may" the 12th states" We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates,in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law." In these 2 brief statements of what we believe, gives us some guiding principles to follow. Christ gave us the perfect example ,and as Christians shouldn't that be who we emulate? I have taught my children to ask that question" WHAT WOULD JESUS DO? "
Do you think he would be making fun of Bruce Jenner , one of his children? Do you think he would be calling people who are in a Same sex marriage Counterfeit? Do you think he would refuse to provide a service to you because of Who you are? Christ taught us to LOVE. HE taught us not to condemn. Christ taught that "Adam fell that men might be and Men are that they might have Joy" HE wants all of his children to experience Joy . What Joy is there in being alone, isolated, some even hiding who they are because of persecution and bias. Yes, we all want our freedoms, but why must you use your freedom to discriminate against someone else?
Mother Theresa stated " If you judge someone you have no time to Love them"
As a foster mother I have had people make a snap judgement of me because they saw me with children of many different races calling me mom. I have heard people say the mean and nasty things about those who "chose to live the GAY lifestyle" What lifestyle is that?? Working, paying bills, going to the movies,volunteering their time, wanting a family. Isn't that just like yours?? My son is Gay .. That is just a very small part of WHO he is is. HE is a child of God, with an amazing ability to be a peacemaker, HE is a gifted Dancer and musician. His voice melts my heart when he sings. He is a hard worker and honest employee. Why do none of those things matter?? So many LGBTQ people take their lives because living a lie or being treated as "less than" is too painful. I am sure Christ weeps as he watches how we are treating these individuals and many times even their family who support them.
Most of us will never have to worry about which bathroom will we be allowed to use. WE don't have to worry about being fired from our job if they find out "who" we are. WE don't have to worry about being beaten up and ridiculed. We can go and marry whom ever we choose. Stop for a moment and try to imagine life in their shoes, and maybe you can see Christ letting you know there is a better way to treat them. Love is always the answer.#loveistheanswer
#Mormonsbuildingbridges #areyoureallychristian
