One
of the big controversies in Christianity today has to do with World
Vision's decision to allow people who are gay and legally married to
work in their charity. There has been a lot of objection, even though
World Vision has clarified that it does not endorse gay marriage.
There are a couple of points I would like to address here. First of all, we should look at Jesus' example. He went to the rejected, the hurt, and the sinners. We must remember that Jesus dined with prostitutes and tax collectors. In fact, He chose a despised, even hated, tax collector to be one of His closest disciples. Secondly, I have to wonder which one is being more Christ-like - the gay person who is feeding the hungry (World Vision is a charity that specializes in feeding the hungry) or the straight person who is condemning that.
Quite honestly, I do not believe a charity that specializes in helping people should reject anyone (who would not harm others) from taking part. I am sure that those who are criticizing do not know what it feels like to be kept from being a part of a ministry because someone does not agree with them. Let me say from experience, it is one of the worst feelings in the world. I believe this type of rejection is a part of the "allow me to minister to you (and change your mind), but you are not good enough to help me" mentality. That "older brother" mentality (from the Parable of the Prodigal Son) again. When will we realize that when we allow people to become involved in helping others, they will be much more willing to open up their own hurts and frustrations? That does not mean they will change to our way of thinking. They should not change for the sake of pleasing others, to be honest. Only God is responsible for changing any of us. But if God does choose to change any of our vices (we are all sinners, you know), it is His kindness that leads to repentance.
There are a couple of points I would like to address here. First of all, we should look at Jesus' example. He went to the rejected, the hurt, and the sinners. We must remember that Jesus dined with prostitutes and tax collectors. In fact, He chose a despised, even hated, tax collector to be one of His closest disciples. Secondly, I have to wonder which one is being more Christ-like - the gay person who is feeding the hungry (World Vision is a charity that specializes in feeding the hungry) or the straight person who is condemning that.
Quite honestly, I do not believe a charity that specializes in helping people should reject anyone (who would not harm others) from taking part. I am sure that those who are criticizing do not know what it feels like to be kept from being a part of a ministry because someone does not agree with them. Let me say from experience, it is one of the worst feelings in the world. I believe this type of rejection is a part of the "allow me to minister to you (and change your mind), but you are not good enough to help me" mentality. That "older brother" mentality (from the Parable of the Prodigal Son) again. When will we realize that when we allow people to become involved in helping others, they will be much more willing to open up their own hurts and frustrations? That does not mean they will change to our way of thinking. They should not change for the sake of pleasing others, to be honest. Only God is responsible for changing any of us. But if God does choose to change any of our vices (we are all sinners, you know), it is His kindness that leads to repentance.
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