Testimonial Responsibility

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.