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As the election nears here in the States I recently brought up a couple of issues I have seen direct the way many Christians are planning to vote. In response to this I decided to follow up with some thoughts on these issues. The first issue addressed was abortion and the second will be gay marriage. My intent is not to promote a particular candidate or to give a set or verses about this issue. Rather, my hope is to begin a conversation about the heart of God and the subsequent response of His people in relation to this issue.

Depending on the laws of your particular state the definition of marriage may be different. In some states gay marriage is legal while in others it is defined as “the union between one man and one woman.” However, as Christians I believe it is important not to ask what is the definition of ones particular state, But rather, what is God’s definition? And perhaps almost as equally imperative, what is God’s view of the homosexual lifestyle?

Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10: “Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor practicing homosexuals 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”

Many would argue based on this passage that it is very clear that homosexuals do not inherit the kingdom of God. I mean that is what the text says right? If you are a practicing homosexual you don’t go to heaven. Or is it more complex. Now this is usually where some Christians would say something like, “Well one would only not inherit the kingdom if they are unrepentant about their homosexuality.” But is it really that simple?

Take a closer look, what else is on that list? Idolators, adulterers, slanderers, swindlers. Jesus tells us that a man who lusts after a woman is guilty of adultery. So based on this definition, a man who views pornography or even thinks about another woman would not inherit the kingdom.

Or what about this. What if a pastor, who has devoted his entire life to Jesus Christ and serving his people has a secret addiction to pornography and dies unrepentant in that addiction. Does he not trust Jesus? Does he not inherit the kingdom? Is he eternally separated from God over this struggle?

I believe we must ask the question does God base our devotion to him on a list of our actions and what we bring to the table or perhaps, is God’s grace based on Christ’s finished work on the cross and our trust in Him? Is it more about us, or Jesus, or both?

What on earth does all this have to do with gay marriage or the election? I painted this picture because like abortion, this issue is not as simple as some make it. To simply say that “I am a Christian and God is against homosexual behavior, therefore I support a candidate who upholds this belief” may not uphold our call as followers of Jesus.

Will electing a certain candidate transform someone’s heart? Will a particular law bring healing to a hurting persons life? Will the world ultimately become the place God intends for it to be through rules or through relationships?

No matter how you choose to vote or if you even choose to vote keep this in mind. God is truth. God is love. Not one, not the other, both. As followers of him our call is bigger than knowing what is wrong with the world and not supporting it. As Christians our call is to be actively making it right. In every relationship we should strive to make the world more like the “kingdom” God intends for it to be.