May 29 - After the Vote

June is the traditional month of weddings.  Our local paper this morning included picture after picture of smiling couples who have just been married, or are soon to be.  And I've been reminded once again of Amendment One in our state, otherwise known as the Marriage Amendment. Since posting a blog about it on May 8, our state voted to affirm that marriage is between one man and one woman.  While I am encouraged that the amendment passed statewide, I was deeply troubled by the fact that the county in which I live voted against marriage.

I have lived in this county for almost forty-one years.  I began Bible Study Fellowship here thirty-six years ago.  During the twelve years that I taught, I had 500 women at a time, but turned over the roll five or six times, so that thousands of women sat under my teaching.  In addition to my class, we have nine other BSF classes in this county, all capacity with hundreds of men and women studying God's Word for themselves on a daily and weekly basis.  Added to the BSF classes are other mega Bible studies with hundreds of men, women, young people and children getting into God's Word, plus hundreds of churches, Sunday school classes, and other outlets for Bible reading and study.

While there can be disagreement between earnest Christians on political matters, marriage is not just a political issue, but a moral and spiritual matter on which there should be no disagreement. So I keep shaking my head, trying to reconcile the packed and overflowing Bible classes with the vote.  I know there had to have been  men and women in the Bible studies who voted against the marriage amendment.  Which leads me to conclude that there is a big disconnect between reading and studying God's Word, and applying it to our worldview. Or applying it to the way we conduct our business.  Or the way we parent our children.  Or the way we coach, or teach, or carry out whatever profession or assignment is before us.

God's Word is not like your coat.  You do not take it off when it's inconvenient or not politically correct, then put it on when it suits your purpose.  What God says is so.  And it should determine and direct every aspect of your life...your actions, thoughts, decisions...and your vote!

P.S.  Tony Evans is a personal friend, and pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas. The following link is the second interview he did on CNN regarding marriage in which his answers and his demeanor demonstrate he is NOT disconnected.  He measures everything and everyone by the Bible, and takes his stand firmly on it.  He has my applause!

http://newsroom.blogs.cnn.com/2012/05/10/political-risk-for-obamas-same-sex-marriage-decision/