They say, "Just be yourself," but should you?

Being both gay and Christian, we often feel the pull of two very different cultures, each telling us how we should live. And though we strive to live holy, Christ-centered lives, there are times when it seems impossible not to identify with the "me-first" mentality that permeates the mainstream gay community.

There is no question that gay people have been treated badly in our society, both in and out of the church. It is in response to this treatment that we find ourselves wanting to say to the rest of the world, "I'm not going to care what you think of me anymore! I'm going to live the way I want to live, and I'm going to have Pride in Myself!" This is the response of the secular gay community, and it is the reason for such flamboyant displays in Gay Pride marches and the like.

Essentially, the secular gay community says, "Be yourself in all situations. Don't worry about how anyone else feels about it. If they're offended, too bad."

But as Christians, we are (as usual) called to something greater than this. We are God's abassadors to the world, and that means we must be willing to change and adapt ourselves to the different situations we find ourselves in. We must be willing to put aside our own freedoms -- although they are our freedoms -- in order to reach others with the love of God, whether those "others" are strict fundamentalists or party-loving secular gays.

As you read the following passage, notice how the issues Paul dealt with almost 2000 years ago are remarkably similar to the ones we deal with today as gay Christians.

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1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (NIV)

Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

Spend some time in prayer on this passage today. Ask God to show you specific ways you can change your actions to apply this in your life.

I disagree that secular gay response has necessarily been one of flamboyant display and reckless abandon. Whoever has written the comment above is taking approach similar to that of critics of gay rights, in that all they see is the excess and irresponsible behaviour present on some gay pride parades. Most gay people I know happen to be secular while perfectly normal, responsible and as ethical as anybody else. I don't think this has much to do with secularism at all.

I do agree that as Christians we are called to a lifestyle that often goes against the current. But isn't the same true for straight people?

I agree, Aaron. Most gay people live lives just like anyone else, and it is the minority who feel the need to parade sexuality. And, of course, there is a minority of straight people who parade sexuality as well - think of strip clubs. I think it is very important that gays who are just regular people be open about who we are, so that the rest of society can see that not all gays are entirely sex-oriented.
Ingrid

I find myself agreeing with the author of this bible study. I do feel that in the "Secular" Homosexual community, as well as the "Secular" Heterosexual community, there is a lot of flamboyancy. As Ingrid stated, look at the Strip Clubs, the Bottoms Only or Topless clubs and more. His (?her?) quote:

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"Be yourself in all situations. Don't worry about how anyone else feels about it. If they're offended, too bad."

applies to both of the secular groups mentioned. I also agree with his/her next statement after saying all that regarding the secular gay community:

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But as Christians, we are (as usual) called to something greater than this. We are God's ambassadors to the world, and that means we must be willing to change and adapt ourselves to the different situations we find ourselves in. We must be willing to put aside our own freedoms -- although they are our freedoms -- in order to reach others with the love of God, whether those "others" are strict fundamentalists or party-loving secular gays.

This quote applies not only to the Christian Gay community but to the Christian Straight community as well.



We must step outside of ourselves to do what is best for the Kingdom of God. I've never been to a Gay Pride Rally or Pride Day; not because I don't think they are good for the gay community as a whole, but because for me; in MY opinion only; it doesn't represent the right thing that we as Christians who happen to be gay need to be putting out there for the world to see. I'd rather spend my time campaigning for the rights of gays in a quiet way, than to be parading through a street, with gays or straights who think that parading naked (as sometimes has happened) is the right thing to do. I'd rather write letters to my Senators/Representatives to ask them to reconsider their positions and to explain my own in a concise and polite way.

I feel that in doing things in the way that is Right FOR me, I am doing what God would have me to do, and am doing what Paul writes about in
1 Corinthians 9:19-23.

As I said, this is what is right FOR ME. I'm not asking everyone to do this, for not everyone is called to do so. I've been given a voice on the Internet with my websites and my message boards to ask for change, to demand change, and to follow through on it. For me, being out is not as much a challenge as it is for others who may be still married to a man/woman when they are gay, or to be working in a field where coming out can cost them their job and more. I do what is right for me, when I feel that God is calling me to it.

As Christians we are called to be modest in our thoughts and appearance. We need to be so, not because it is more appealing to the straight community, but because it is what God has called us to. I think many Christians who are gay do so. They live their life quietly and peacefully, while letting the world know that they are gay and not ashamed to be called gay or to be called a Christian. My partner and I are known in our community to be Christians first and gay is a secondary issue that rarely comes up. We try to live life as we are called by God to do so.

I've been away from the boards for quite some time. Thanks for starting bible studies again. I'll catch up and then start getting involved too.

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This quote applies not only to the Christian Gay community but to the Christian Straight community as well.

I wholeheartedly agree, but the original comment specifically targeted gay secular community, which I find unwarranted and largely uncalled for.

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Originally posted by Aaron:

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This quote applies not only to the Christian Gay community but to the Christian Straight community as well.

I wholeheartedly agree, but the original comment specifically targeted gay secular community, which I find unwarranted and largely uncalled for.

I feel that he was writing specifically to the gay community and perhaps he didn't think how it might affect some people. I really don't think it was meant to be offensive by any means, and I'm sure it could have been written differently.

You are probably right. I think we've agreed on the main point.

BTW, when is the Week 4 Bible Study going to be posted?

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Originally posted by Aaron:
You are probably right. I think we've agreed on the main point.

BTW, when is the Week 4 Bible Study going to be posted?

Already is!! *smiles*