I loved watching the Jetsons when I was a kid. There were automatic cars, robotic maids, a computer (R.U.D.I.) that was George’s best friend, Judy (the 16 year old) had a digital diary named DiDi, and people movers… the people movers were so cool!
So, I know the Jetsons was a cartoon that gave a somewhat fictional futuristic look at the world, but so many of their cute themes and carefully sketched characters presented us with a world that looks very familiar now.
Think about it… how many people are glued to their computers as if they were their best friend? How many 16 year olds have a digital diary called a smart phone? And then there are automatic cars and people movers.
Funny how so many things seemed to surface as our reality.
But the Jetsons were a family with ties that bind – and morals – and work ethics – and they had fun – and they didn’t take themselves too seriously. They even knew which bathroom to use and I’m pretty sure they understood legal from illegal. And I know they respected authority.
This isn’t the Jetsons anymore but we are definitely living in a different world and it’s time the church understands how to shine well for Jesus in this very dark world and yet be bold and stand on the truth at the same time.
Today, I want to start a conversation that we all need to have in this crazy world we live in. Because this is where we live now.
And we have to get a grip on how to respond and how to teach our children to respond in a way that honors God, stands on truth, and demonstrates grace and mercy.
And we want to hear from you!
Because we need to stand on truth, offer grace, and know how that grace and truth work together – not as separate entities.
“Unfailing love and truth have met together. Righteousness and peace have kissed!” Psalm 85:10 (NLT)
As I sat chatting with some Christian moms recently, they were broken, hurt, confused. Wondering what the church’s rightful role is in the cultural war that is being waged against this generation.
What’s a Christian mom to do if her daughter comes home and says…
- She is a lesbian?
- Or a transgender?
- Or bi-sexual?
- Or is addicted to drugs?
- Or is living with her boyfriend?
- Or is cutting?
- Or is involved in the pot culture?
- Or is opening a bar?
- Or won’t work?
- Or thinks the government owes them something and they should have everything given to them?
- Or breaks the law and thinks they deserve to get off with a slap on the wrist?
- Or wants to do what they want to do with no consequences?
- Or she doesn’t believe in God any longer?
What if you’re talking to Christians and they say…
- We need to boycott that company!
- We need to close our doors to anyone and everyone who is struggling with their sexual identity!
- We need to keep transgenders out of the church!
- We need to run through the store with a Bible in one hand and yell at everyone about the wickedness of transgender and gay lifestyles.
- Christians should be tough of sin and sinners..
- We should not allow Christian parents of children who are involved in any type of open sin, such as homosexuality, transgender, living with someone they aren’t married to, or any other sin that is so public, to serve in any type of leadership capacity in the church.
- We should tell parents of kids who are struggling with any open sin, how they should parent their children.
For some, it is either / or!
Boycott them! Yell in the stores! Bang your Bible over their heads and make your point that the Bible is true and what they are doing will land them in hell. Don’t let them in your church!
On the other side of the coin, we see Christians saying we need to refrain from judging, be accepting, embrace the sinner and their lifestyles, and err on the side of grace.
The truth is, it’s not either / or, but it’s all the above… done with the right heart… with a heart focused on reaching them for Christ… a heart focused on reconciliation not condemnation. Done in a way that honors God and gives value to all people as those God created and sent His Son to die for.
So… how does the church respond to the cultural war?
How do we reach out in love and grace and embrace those who are in that place or parents of those who are in that place without embracing the sin and giving it a wink in the name of tolerance?
So, for several posts, I will address the cultural issues from a biblical perspective, give biblical answers, and offer some solutions based on the Word of God and founded with grace AND truth.
To get started offering a little perspective and a little hope, here’s a great post by sister MOM, Lori Wildenburg about Target, GI-Joe, transgender, and gender neutrality. And here’s a video from a transgender who became a Christian that also offers hope for those struggling with transgender issues.
The issues and the solutions we will examine will be based on rightly dividing the Word of God, not on our emotions or experiences. Because we trust that God is always right and that His ways are always right, and that His will is always right. The best way to love someone is to just tell them the truth. It’s how we do it that makes the difference.
So, as we embark on some tough topics, please REMEMBER to be REAL with your heart and experiences, but biblically accurate with what you think may be some of the solutions.
These are tough issues and personal opinions run deep. So, while we want to here your experiences, we also are committed to stay true to the Word of God and do so with mercy, grace, and truth.
Keep in mind there are moms whose children are struggling with the very issues we are going to be dealing with, and with the biggest momma heart possible, we need to consider the conversations they are having to have for the first time, the explanations they have to share with siblings, the things they are having to tell their church family – looking for hope and a shoulder to lean on. Not for all the does and don’ts. Not advice like, “If it were me, I’d…”
They are looking for hope. That’s what Jesus offers and that’s what His children are supposed to offer too.
What are your thoughts about the cultural wars? WHAT CULTURAL WARS ARE YOU DEALING WITH TODAY?
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