WITH around eighty per cent of eligible Australians who have taken part in the SSM postal survey, it is clear that most see this as an important issue. So significant, in fact, that it almost seems as if the bell curve of opinion is inverting: everyone passionately believes anywhere, there are fewer left in the middle of the road than ever before. It can provoke a social war.
The result, therefore, polarized many of us. Many were elated and many, though fewer in number, were exasperated. Both the elated and the exasperated have the opportunity to reconform themselves to the thought of Christ.
Jesus challenged just about everyone he ever got involved with. Some were challenged by his encouragement. Others were rebuked, given cause for reflection. Others again received the wrath of God for the audacity they showed in abusing the powerless (ie the chief priests and the scribes). Few people are comfortable with the historical Jesus, except the powerless or those who had been crushed by life, who were also humbly willing to be closer to God.
God doesn’t change. Jesus does not change. He is the same yesterday, today, forever (Hebrews 13:8). The nature of it is how the Holy Spirit works. We stray a tenth of a degree from the line and the Lord’s still small voice advises us to return to the true and ancient way (Jeremiah 6:16).
I’m not entirely sure what Jesus would say. I’m also not sure others can accurately identify what the Lord would say. But I am sure he would have many things to say, all full of truth, balanced, wise, and challenging for all of us to ponder. As we read through the gospels, he was actually surprisingly unpredictable in what he said, when he said it, and to whom he said what he said. Sure, we can say that what he said makes a lot of sense, but wisdom is always logical in hindsight.
The simple fact of asking this question helps us Christians to examine ourselves before answering, in the tradition of Psalm 139:23-24. In such a case, the Holy Spirit might advise us to do what is always a blessing and resist what is only occasionally a blessing and other times harmful.
Act justly, be kind and walk humbly –
these are always right.
***
It is good to ask unanswered questions. They make us stop and reflect on the mystery of life, which is God. And where we arrive is not to a fixed point of view, but to the acceptance of what is. That is God’s blessing for us, today and every day. It’s great to know that we don’t know.
A safe position that we, as individuals, can come to on complex matters like SSM is:
recognize that it is complex and that none of us have every corner of the truth on this topic or any other topic;
understand that our role is to act justly, to be kind to others, and to walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8), which means:
o we carry each other, our differences and inclinations, in mind, with respect;
or we monitor what we do or say to avoid pain and increase healing;
or recognize that our opinions are just that: filtered through our limited way of seeing things;
Today, by doing these things, we hope to glorify God, which is our main goal.
It’s good to avoid certain topics socially so we can just focus on being present with people. And if we really need to process the problems, it is good to go to someone who brings us relief; someone who listens, validates what we feel, but doesn’t feed the fire.
We don’t have to have something to say on every topic.
When everyone is respected, regardless of their opinion or the strength of their point of view, everyone is loved.