Normally, I avoid writing about issues
as politically charged as the Kim Davis situation. The reason for
this is that such issues are usually so polarizing and divisive that
I rarely find the resulting discussions useful. And the comment wars
literally make me sick to my stomach. Let me just say that comment
wars should be reserved for teens arguing over the Jacob verses
Edward issue... if that's actually still a thing. Anyways, against my
better judgment, here we go...
For anyone who is unaware of the
situation at hand, let me summarize. Kim Davis is a county clerk in
Kentucky who identifies as an apostolic Christian. The position of
county clerk is an elected position with duties that range from
registering voters to issuing marriage licenses. As most of you are
aware, the Supreme Court ruled that homosexual couples are guaranteed
the same marital rights as straight couple based on their
interpretation of the constitutional amendment which made marriage
licenses a thing. Kim Davis ceased the issuing of any marriage
licenses following the judges ruling based on her moral opposition to
homosexuality. It should be noted that she ceased the issuing of all
marriage licenses, both traditional and same-sex, in order to avoid
any accusations of discrimination. Mrs. Davis has taken this stand
based on her belief that Gods law supercedes that of the governing
body under which she serves. She also claims protection under her
states religious freedom protection laws. She was recently jailed
after being held in contempt of the courts for disregarding the
courts ruling against her position. She was subsequently released
after her subordinates resumed the issuing of all marriage licenses
in her absence.
I'm not going to go into the legal
aspects of this case too deeply as they don't actually relate to my
position on the subject.
First, let me say that I do in fact
believe that a Christian's religious convictions should govern his or
her life over the laws and customs of the country in which he or she
lives. We are indeed held to a higher standard by a much higher power
in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I certainly hope, should I find
myself in a position in which I have to choose between standing
behind my religious convictions and bowing to the pressures of my
society, that I have the strength of character to stand my ground.
That being said, I hope that I have the discernment to choose my
battles wisely and set my courses of action in a way that truly
glorifies God and subsequently brings people to Him.
We answer to a higher power. We can
also claim a higher calling. We are called to be “little Christs.”
It is our calling to show people the love and grace of our Savior
and do our best to bring them to a saving knowledge of Him through
our testimony as well as a clear presentation of the gospel. As I
view the Davis situation through the window of secular media outlets,
I must come to the conclusion that Mrs. Davis' actions have failed to
accomplish this calling in any capacity whatsoever.
Every decision we make should be made
only after viewing the situation in question through the lens of
testimonial responsibility. In other words, we must ask ourselves
which action will bring God the most glory. Which course of action
will most effectively show the world God's love? What can we do that
will show the world the joys of being in God's family?
Sometimes, we as Christians have to
choose whether to defend our government-given rights or to further
our God-given cause. On occasion, we have the opportunity to do both,
but often we sacrifice our testimony on the alter of self-martyrdom.
After-all, is it really our job to change the world or is it simply
our job to show the world that change is a possibility through Jesus
Christ our Lord and Savior?
I'm not going to tell you how you
should feel about the situation. All I ask is that you put some
thought into your position on the subject before you place yourself
one side of the argument or the other. The fact of the matter is
this: there are not simply two sides to the issue.
