Letter: Responding to Supreme Court Ruling

As the Supreme Court ruling on gay marriage continues to be part of the national landscape, we can be confident that God has a plan for our context (Acts 17:26). There are ways we can surrender to Jesus and prepare to be His vessels in our appointed time and place.

First, we should use this moment to reevaluate our commitment to holiness — not simply as it relates to major social and political issues, but in all areas of life. We should remember that the current issue is part of a long progression of unraveling sexual ethics and shifting morality that impacts our own sensitivity to sin at large. We should use this moment as a springboard to personal sanctification and earnestly apply Psalm 139:23-24 to our lives.

Secondly, we should use this ruling to remind us of the urgent need for evangelism. God did not call us to win the culture war, but to make disciples of real people — friends, coworkers, neighbors, and family members — and to help them live in grace and obedience to the Lord Jesus. Cultural Christianity is not the same thing as Spirit-led conversion resulting in sanctification through discipleship.

Third, we must recognize that we are enslaved to Jesus. Amid all of the talk concerning religious liberty, we often forget that we are not our own. The First Amendment is an American convention, not a biblical mandate. God demands that we deny ourselves daily and follow Christ. Ultimately, whatever is gained from religious liberty is worth nothing in comparison to knowing Christ and the power of His resurrection, the fellowship of His suffering, and conforming to His death (Philippians 3:10).

Finally, we must guard against responding to this crisis with pride and indignation. Proverbs 15:1 says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” How we speak is as important as what we say. My hope is that our most severe critique will be of ourselves and that the Church at large (and local) will respond with a renewed commitment to a gospel-centered, mission-oriented and spirit-empowered life.

Landon Williams
Graniteville