Why Homosexuals Are Receiving So Much Attention

by Edward O. Bragwell Sr.

"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God" (I Corinthians 6:9-10).

We are sometimes accused of unfairly singling out "homosexuals" from the list of sinners in the above verses for our condemnation more than others. While I deny unfairness, I admit that there is a tendency to single them out. There may be a good reason for this. But before discussing that, for the record, I want to say that I don't think any of those on the list in the above verses should be mistreated either by individuals or society as a whole. Instead, society should do what it can to rehabilitate them. And more importantly, we as Christians need to try to do whatever we can rightly do in order to reach them with the saving power of the gospel.

But, having said all of that and admitting that we may give more attention to homosexuals, at the present time, than the others listed, I am prepared to suggest a reason of it. It may be because they are the ones who are openly and boldly flaunting their sinful lifestyles and pushing society to accept them as they are, even giving them special rights, without changes in their behavior. We would likely be giving as much attention to the other sinners listed if they organized orchestrated events and lobbied governments for "rights" like "gays" do. So far we have not seen many Fornicator Pride, Idolater Pride, Adulterer Pride, Thief Pride, Drunkard Pride, Reviler Pride, or Extortioner Pride events to push their agenda for special rights. The reason homosexuals are getting more attention is that are drawing more attention to themselves.

We would also like to point out that every sinner on that list was able to change. How do I know? The next verse says "such were some of you" (I Corinthians 6:11). They were no longer such, having been washed, justified, and sanctified in the name of the Lord. There were no longer those things because they had been forgiven and no longer practiced those sins. Does that necessarily mean they would no longer have any propensity toward such sins? No. The former drunkard might be more tempted than others toward alcohol. The former thief might be more tempted to shoplift than others. The former fornicator might be sexually tempted by the opposite sex than others. So, the former homosexual might be sexually tempted by the same sex more than others. But, all of them must realize that they can resist the temptation with God's help and not return to their former sinful practices – and that they will have to do that to be saved.

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