News sources are buzzing with President Barack Obama’s announcement from yesterday: “At a certain point I’ve just concluded that for me, personally, it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same-sex couples should be able to get married.” (Read CNN article here.)
The first sitting president to take such a stance, Mr. Obama has sided with the activists, rather than with the people who have elected him.
Gay marriage supporters publicly frame the topic so as to make it appear an issue of discrimination and equality. They talk like the issue was long ago settled and that the modern world of thinking people has moved past even the discussion of such petty “injustices.”
In reality, however, when it comes to state-by-state voting on constitutional amendments, traditional marriage gets wide popular support in the poll booths. So far, thirty states have already voted in favor of such amendments. Legalization of same-sex marriage is only achieved by court ruling and legislative action, not by voter referendums.
But marriage isn’t up for popular vote or popular definition. God defined marriage when He created it, and it isn’t for the government, the courts, the politicians, or the people to define.
Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.—Genesis 2:24
Simply put, our president was wrong in his statements regarding marriage. God defines marriage—we don’t.
I am grieved to hear a steady drumbeat of activists who are working to change the public’s mindset. But even if our leaders do gain a majority following in this issue, God’s Word remains unchanged. Subverting God’s design of the institution of marriage can only bring damage—to our families, our children, and our nation.
We must pray with renewed fervency for revival in our country. And we must lovingly reach out to every person in our communities with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
