Why I Don't Congratulate Same-Sex Relationships

I have seen a number of esteemed colleagues express their congratulations towards same-sex unions. It’s not uncommon, even for church leaders, whether by liking, heart-ing, sending a positive comment, reposting photographs, or even attending same-sex weddings. Similar positivity is often directed towards same-sex couples who adopt a child, or have one by surrogacy or through a sperm donor - as was done by numerous well-known ‘conservative figures as political commentator Dave Rubin and his partner did exactly that. And even 'coming out' announcements are often celebrated by misguided Christians on social media. 

I DO NOT CONGRATULATE THESE MOMENTS. I DON'T THINK YOU SHOULD EITHER.

Failure for us to engage with such moments cleanly and clearly will result in the same outcomes many churches have had as they avoided preaching on Biblical sexuality for fear of offending people. Such congregations have functionally allowed pop-culture to use the coming generation as human shields for the advancement of unbiblical sexual ideologies. As the children are left to their own devices, quite literally that is, being indoctrinated 24/7 by iPhones and social media, not to mention teachers, the government, Disney, peers, and the cultural mash around them.

As the percentage of young Christians who are either personally involved in such sin or at least have got used to condoning and even celebrating it rises, it becomes harder and harder to speak against. Yet all of this has been enabled by the leaders’ tacit endorsement. 

SO, HERE’S WHY I DON'T CONGRATULATE SAME SEX RELATIONSHIPS:

1. Same sex relationships are unbiblical. Not only that, they are contra-biblical. They go against the very words of Scripture. Why would you celebrate or congratulate something that God rejects?

2. You duplicate what you celebrate. If our culture celebrated faithfulness, childrearing, and sacrifice for the gospel, we’d have more of it. Want more same-sex activity in your relational sphere? Celebrate it.

3. It is a violation of 1 Corinthians 5:11. If someone is engaging in such activity and professes Christ, then Paul tells us, "that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin." Celebrating it is not only associating with them, but encouraging them in that sin. 

4. It is confusing to other Christians.  When we high five people over some big life decision out of a desire to be a friend, but it is a life decision that flies in the face of the teaching of Christ, we send a terrible and confusing message to those watching. Their interpretation, and rightly so, is that you are not displeased with their behavior or decision.

5. It removes an important opportunity to call people to repentance. Such moments are a great opportunity to preach the gospel of Christ, to tell of his saving grace and his ability to set them free from sin. How will they be saved without repenting? Who will be their preacher?

6. You're high-fiving one of Satan's victorious moments. Stop celebrating the victory of the enemy of your soul. And their soul.  There is nothing to celebrate. This is something to mourn.

If you engage in such behavior, I plead with you to stop. It is incongruent with Biblical Christianity.  It is affirmation of an unbiblical sexual ethic that keeps people captive.

There are plenty of people in our culture who will rally round to celebrate. You should not be one of them. Instead, stand as a faithful shepherd, watching out for this wolf as it comes to tear away your young sheep, ensuring that if it wishes to do so, it has to get through a weeping, praying, prophetic pastor, parent, grandparent, brother, sister or friend first. Don’t promote this sin to your people by celebrating it in the life of others. 

For those engaging in such sin, rather than helping them try on wedding outfits, implore them to resist the devil. And if you can’t respond with the gospel, at least don't celebrate. Instead, weep. Don't be party to the destruction. Instead, go into your prayer closet.

There is a time to celebrate. There is a time to fight. There is a time to lament. Know your time. Know your place.