Would a true Christian make purchases from a company that uses a sinner for its spokesman?
Question:
A member of the congregation was told by a friend that she is not a true Christian because she shops at JC Pennys and Ellen DeGeneres is a spokesperson for that company. She was told that a true Christian should not support a company that hires a lesbian to be their spokesperson. The member stated she didn't even know Ellen was the spokesperson, but if it's true, should she boycott? Her question to me was how could you buy anything in this world if we had to research the background of every company?
Answer:
"Eat whatever is sold in the meat market, asking no questions for conscience' sake; for "the earth is the LORD'S, and all its fullness." If any of those who do not believe invites you to dinner, and you desire to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no question for conscience' sake" (I Corinthians 10:25-27).
A person shops at a clothing store to buy clothes. What the owners of that store do with their profits is their business. Shopping at JC Pennys is not a statement that shopper supports Ellen DeGeneres or her causes.
Now if a store had a special event and said that profit from that day's sales would go to a particular cause, that would be a different issue. That would be equivalent to going to someone's house and the host makes a big deal out of how his meal is special because it came from an idol's temple. "But if anyone says to you, "This was offered to idols," do not eat it for the sake of the one who told you, and for conscience' sake; for "the earth is the LORD'S, and all its fullness." "Conscience," I say, not your own, but that of the other. For why is my liberty judged by another man's conscience? But if I partake with thanks, why am I evil spoken of for the food over which I give thanks? Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (I Corinthians 10:28-31).
Almost every company uses spokesmen who are engaged in sin, whether it is fornication, adultery, homosexuality, drugs, lying, etc. What is being done is a rating of sins. Homosexuality is being declared to be a worse sin than fornication, but both are sexual sins and are equally corrupting to the people engaged in them and to society.
People have a strong tendency to make rules for others that God never made. That was the fault of the Pharisees. It is a sin to make restrictions where God did not make restrictions. "Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar" (Proverbs 30:6).
