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Temperaments continue to rise over Indiana’s recent legislative move by Governor Mike Pence. On Thursday April 2nd, Pence signed an updated version of Indiana’s “Religious Freedom Restoration Act” which included “new language to clarify that businesses and service providers cannot use the legislation as a justification to discriminate based on a client’s sexual orientation.” (Washington Post) Furthermore, Indiana’s “RFRA” law is similar to those in twenty other states.
In spite of the clarifications, Gay and Lesbian activists and supporters are still unhappy. “Our position is that this “fix” is insufficient. There was no repeal of RFRA and no end to discrimination of homosexuals in Indiana,” said Bill Oesterle, the CEO of Angie’s List.” (Washington Post)
According to Governor Pence, “this law has become a subject of great misunderstanding and controversy across our state and nation,” (Washington Post) which ironically has placed those who call themselves Christians right under the microscope of discrimination from Gay and Lesbian supporters.
Recently, one of the first businesses to become a target in response to the law’s passing was Memories’ Pizza in Walker, IN. During an interview, co-owner Crystal O’Connor was cornered with her words when asked several questions regarding the new law. One of the questions asked was whether Crystal and her father, Ken O’Connor, who is the other owner, would refuse to cater for a gay wedding. Crystal replied that they would not cater for the wedding because the event goes against their beliefs.
From that moment on, comments from the interview went viral as retaliations of hatred flew out on “Yelp” referencing the disgust people had towards the O’Connor’s decision to stand up for her beliefs. Unfortunately due to all of the threats, Memories’ Pizza has had to temporarily close their doors and essentially go into hiding until the persecution subsides.
What has our world come to when those who are standing up for what they believe is right and just are judged by those who feel they are being discriminated against. Are the gay and lesbian community members not being hypocritical themselves by passing along their own judgments upon those who disagree with their side? Where is the logic and reason in all of this chaotic mess?
God was fully aware that life would come to such illogical responses when he sent his son to the cross. “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18) What was once seen as pure and good and sacred has now become a pawn in the blame game of passing judgments. Those who see no purpose to Jesus’ death and resurrection only view his life and actions as foolish, unwise, and without purpose, yet he had only one goal he came to fulfill and that was to seek and save the lost-no matter what they have done.
While the blame may continue to be passed around, let us keep in mind that one day we will all be judged, whether we believe it or not. We will all have to give account for what we have done and how we have completed our lives. When standing before God, will our life reflect that which has been modeled by Christ? If not, today is the day to make a change. There is no time like the present to turn away from your sinful ways and turn to the one who desires to give you life everlasting.
Have you asked Jesus to forgive you for all of your wrongdoings? Have you made a decision to turn away and to follow him, the good shepherd? The righteous lamb? The Son of God?
