In God We Trust.

I was listening to the news the other day, and there was this report about somebody who seems to have solved the "Gay Marriage" conflict. His or her solution was to eliminate marriage altogether. In other words, the writer's opinion was "why is the governmetn involved in validating marriage anyway?" At first blush, it sounded pretty radical, and my bias immediately caused me to think: "this must be a gay activist". But then I began to think about it, and I think now that I might just agree with the writer. After all, government didn't create marriage, God did. And just because a couple goes to the Justice of the Peace, or someone else, doesn't mean that the couple has invited God to bless them, nor does it even mean that God brought them together. I haven't researched just how governments began to regulate marriage, but I suspect that it had something to do with taxes. And I think a lot of the reasons why people are fighting to protect the government sanction of marriage is to continue those tax issues. The "Gay Marriage" issue is quite another deal. I've seen very little talk about gay marriage from the standpoint of taxation. I think for the most part, taxation of gays is pretty much the same as straights. I think the Gay Marriage movement has morphed. The issue now is a demand not only for fair treatment, I think that's been achieved for the most part. From what I've seen recently, the movement is seeking approval. That, in my humble opinion, will be an impossible task. In my earlier blogs, I have sought to emphasize and remind others that the "sin of homosexuality" is no more serious to God than the sins of greed, envy, and jealousy. But that same rationale tells me that if God doesn't want us to be greedy, jealous, or envious, then He doesn't want us to practice homosexuality either. So, while I may be in agreement that governmewnt validation of marriage isn't really essential, I could never agree that it's o.k. to keep on living a lifestyle that is opposed to God's teaching. And that's where my opening title applies. Our money has printed on it "In God We Trust". This may be one of the great oxymorons in history. The very fact that we print this on our money demonstrates that we don't trust in God, we trust in our money. I'm reminded that in the Gospel of John, chapter 18, and verse 36 we hear Jesus say: "Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place." Jesus understood that His kingdom is the Kingdom of God. Anyone who chooses to become a follower of Christ transfers his or her allegance from the kingdoms of this world to the Kingdom of God. As such, it should not matter greatly to us what the kingdoms of this world do or don't do. What should matter most is the standard of behavior expected of residents of God's kingdom. So in closing this morning, I'd like to encourage anyone reading this blog who claims to follow Jesus, to consider the ways in which you have failed to transfer loyalty from this kingdom to the Kingdom of God. If you're reading and you're not in agreement with me, or have questions, why not respond? I'll be the first to admit that I can be wrong. I don't have it all wraped up. Have a great day. Talk to me.