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March 24,
2006
Earlier
this month Jane Spahr, a Presbyterian minister, was acquitted of charges
that she violated her denomination’s position on same-sex marriages
by marrying two gay couples during 2004 and 2005. She has said that
she has officiated at hundreds of ceremonies during her ministry.
I felt a pang of regret at this decision. I disagree with the the tribunal
from the Presbytery of the Redwoods. Just because Jane’s actions
reflect the normative standards of the region, doesn’t make it
right. Just because the Bible is inclusive doesn’t mean we support
this.
I debated using this particular example for fear the gay issues would
cloud my primary point. Because on further reflection I’ve realized
that I feel similar regret most every time my values and positions are
not appreciated as I do. When you say or act as if what I care deeply
about doesn’t matter, it hurts.
What sobered me most is the realization that I too easily make my own
list of things that aren’t really all that important. I fear I
do this to values and positions close to God’s heart. When I’m
prodded about Sabbath or hear jokes about my food choices, I wish they
could see these facets of my life with the same importance as I experience
them.
But what I realize this week is that I should compare myself more with
what’s important to God and how He feels that comparing others
with my feelings and the values I cherish. When my life is caught up
in what pleases God, then I will be consumed with Him and not with the
‘failings’ of those around me.
This isn’t to say that I will be unaffected by the world in which
I live. I just don’t want to look at others based on where my
heart is at the moment. I’m too fickle, too narrow, too blind
to myself to trust with judgment. That’s all in His hands.
“Therefore, say to the people, ‘This is what the LORD Almighty
says: Return to me, and I will return to you, says the LORD Almighty.’
Do not be like your ancestors who would not listen when the earlier
prophets said to them,‘This is what the LORD Almighty says: Turn
from your evil ways and stop all your evil practices.’ “
Zechariah 1:3-4
Be at peace,
Pastor Steve
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