Well, Hallelujah! Finally, someone who is in a leadership roles within a Christian Organization promotes equality, fairness, and treats ALL employees the same. Wow...hang on, I need to catch my breathe as I am so overwhelmed with joy.
There is also another part of this story that I like as it is something my spouse and I have often said needs to happen but it is hard to get to the second hurdle if you can't jump the first.
Here is another quote from Richard Sterns letter, " However, now World Vision is allowing gay Christians in legal same-sex marriages to be hired as well as gay Christians who follow their policy of abstinence outside of marriage."
Well, Hallelujah on that decision also! Being gay has mostly been viewed by others as a promiscuous leading life. The media has been so helpful in this area as to portray us as wild, insane, partying creatures of the night. This is not the case at all and Richard Sterns expects (wait here is that word again) ALL to abide by the same expectations. Married gay couples are to be committed to one another and single gay people are to be abstinent until they decide to marry. These are exceptions that are set forth due to the nature of the Christian organization and the expectations of ALL employees.
Now...there is a downside you know. Nothing good is ever done without a struggle and not everyone is going to agree with World Vision. Let's talk about those people...
In the course of Christian history there have been numerous times when Christian groups have used their muscle to get what they want. Even today some Christians continue to boycott companies because their money should not be used for those businesses that believe in Equality. If you are promoting fairness, kindness, respect for all, and non work place discrimination then believe me there are some Christians who would chose to pull their money as there is no "Good" in that list of qualities.
I found an interesting list located at: http://www.usanewsfirst.com/2013/02/05/list-of-companies-christians-boycott-grows-haters-of-god/#sthash.Zq4vjU8Q.dpbs
I will warn you this is uncensored news! You may be shocked at how far "they" are willing to go.
Okay, sorry for the curvy road, now back to World Vision and the current issue at hand. Starving children. Children that are in need of monetary support every month in order to have the basic necessities of life met. Children that without this support would die. I am not being extreme or being sarcastic in any way on this issue. This is so very serious.
Is there any clearer way of making this statement?
Here is the real question. At what point do you say' "Self, I no longer believe what this organization is doing. Therefore, I am pulling my monthly donation and so what if this child I was supporting dies?"
Stop. Think. Re-read the question above.
Regardless of whether you agree with World Visions decision to support equality in the workplace you have made a commitment. You made a commitment to this child to help them every month so they may have the basic necessities they need. You made a commitment to yourself as you believe it is the right action do. Most importantly you have made a commitment to your God. You know the one you are supposed to be honoring? The God who says,
Matthew 25:35
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.But wait a minute, you say...I am honoring God by not giving any more. Since World Vision is supporting those "gays" now I am not giving of my money to help the poor starving children in need. Do you hear yourself yet? Do you hear how that sounds?
Wait! I found these verses...
1 John 3:17-18
But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.Deuteronomy 15:7
“If among you, one of your brothers should become poor, in any of your towns within your land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother.Do you see any scripture in the Bible that tells you if you suddenly don't agree with the choices a Christian organization makes that you are to withhold your good? Do you truly believe that in your heart you are to withhold good? Then I am going to be brave and step out on a limb and venture to say that you don't know the heart of God. Yes, I said it. Normally I would not make this statement because what is between you and God is just that. However, I am a living, breathing, testimony of God's love and how He can motivate you into loving those you don't agree with, loving those who are not like you, and loving those who would kill you if given the opportunity. I am not exaggerating on that point either.
If God really is the motivator of your choices then you will continue to support World Vision. Period.
The real question here is; How BIG is your GOD?
Do you think He is big enough to handle World Vision's decisions? Do you think God would promote equality, love, and helping others? Even though you may disagree with the decisions that have been made, do you think God is big enough to handle ALL personal relationships with Him? I am talking about straight Christians, gay Christians, married Christians, single Christians? Do you see where I am going? I thought so.
So get down off of your soapbox and onto your knees. Pray about things you do or do not agree with and let God do His job. Regardless of whether you agree or not. I believe that God can handle it.
I also believe that these children of World Vision still need your monthly support and still need your love in whatever form that may be. Get back to the business of God! Help those in need, comfort those in pain, and be a friend to ALL. You are not allowed to pick and chose who you do good for in Jesus Christ name.
I believe My God can handle it ALL!
If you would like to sponsor a child at World Vision please click on the link below. Thank you.
http://www.worldvision.org/m/sponsor-a-child/?campaign=1193512&gclid=CI-d9f2err0CFVKFfgodSjIAig
