What an Opportunity to Rejoice with… and to Mourn with…

The Supreme Court delivered another major decision today. Some of my friends will be Partying like it’s 1999 and other friends will be thinking “It’s the End of the World as We Know It”. What an opportunity to Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

By UpstateNYer (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

• To those who are celebrating, may you enjoy your new freedom to move around the country and the rights that accompany it. Please be patient with those who will be processing what this will mean in the long term. I’ve seen people in both camps voice concerns over the impact.
• To those who mourn today, my other friends, who are wondering how this decision will affect your ministries or churches, can I share a few thoughts?

1. Be careful how you express your concern or frustration. Wrong, or hurtful, words now could impact your opportunities to minister. (I can still remember the day when, former President, Bill Clinton was reelected. A religious right leader vowed to continue the process toward impeachment. Because of the timing, he just looked silly.)
2. Ed Stetzer offers some interesting, balanced and challenging insights. This relatively brief article might be helpful as you process today’s events. https://www.christianitytoday.com/edstetzer/2015/june/same-sex-marriage-is-legal-what-now.html?&visit_source=facebook
3. Focus on facts rather than fears.  Some people will give in to fear and overreaction.  They will be tempted to despair.  Be careful to not get sucked in.  The following article might help as you sort through the facts and the responses.  https://www.christianitytoday.com/gleanings/2015/june/supreme-court-states-cant-ban-same-sex-marriage.html

I hope some of this has been helpful.  Whatever the culture may do or not do, our focus remains the same.  We are called to love God and to love our neighbor.  Let’s get to work.