While I was reading "The Overhauling of Straight America," my thoughts kept going to "The Screwtape Letters," by C.S. Lewis. In that book, two devils are debating back and forth about the best way to lead righteous people astray - and their tactics are not obvious or immediate - they are subtle, simple, and deceptively...good. We aren't usually led astray by evil things. We are led astray by evil things disguised as good things. I think that is where we're at, as a society, with the state of marriage and all that that now includes.
In the Book of Mormon, we are warned, "Wo unto them that call evil good, and good evil, that put darkness for light, and light for darkness, that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" (2 Nephi 15:20) It can be so easy to be swayed by the "good intentions" of social campaigns. But what can we do? How do we combat against an influence that seems so much bigger than us? How can we avoid the attitude of "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em?"
Just like both ancient and modern prophets, we have the ability to be the voice of truth against the multitudes. We have learned how cunning the homosexual/human rights/gay marriage agenda is, and how quietly it has slipped into mainstream culture. But we don't have to concede - we can be part of the solution. After all, with all that we know and with the Second Coming so near, we know what side of history is the right one. Here are some things that came to mind that I can be doing today to promote the sanctity and social necessity of marriage between a man and women (in direct response to the points made in "The Overhauling of Straight America"):
1. Be sensitive to homosexuality - not desensitized. Desensitization means that something doesn't bother or affect you anymore...that should not be the case with gay marriage. However, we can disagree but still be compassionate, loving, and understanding of gay issues and especially gay people and their families.
2. Talk about the sanctity of marriage as loudly and as often as possible. Don't be a silent opinion - like Elie Wiesel said, we must take sides. Form educated opinions based on doctrine and social, economic, and social research. If we want to be taken seriously, we have to make a serious point. Stop watching media that trivializes homosexuality and promotes gay marriage. Share the why behind the what on social media, with our colleagues, and with the youth. Share with others the joy that comes from a healthy marriage. Have a healthy marriage!
3. Don't hide behind the issues - be bold! Heed the counsel of Alma to his son Shiblon: "And now, as ye have begun to teach the word even so I would that ye should continue to teach; and I would that ye would be diligent and temperate in all things. See that ye are not lifted up unto pride; yea, see that ye do not boast in your own wisdom, nor of your much strength. Use boldness, but not overbearance; and also see that ye bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love; see that ye refrain from idleness." (Alma 38:10-12) It is interesting that Alma warns Shiblon to refrain from idleness...are we being idle in this cause? Or are we proactively sharing our beliefs with others?
4. Don't be distracted by propaganda. Not everything you read is based in truth. Take the time to research real facts and statistics.
5. Anti-discrimination, free speech, freedom of beliefs, freedom of association, due process, and equal protection apply to EVERYONE - not just minorities or people of a certain race, religion, or sexual orientation. Be active in the community, participate in elections and civic duties, and don't be fooled by "oppression."
6. Never apologize for having a different opinion than what is perceived as the majority. It is a fine line between being the oppressed and being the oppressor in this regard. They are not apologizing for their position, neither should we.
7. Spread the message. Advocate for policies that promote the family. Put the signs in your yard or the sticker on your car. Change your Facebook profile to a pro-family picture. Use hashtags. Share The Family: A Proclamation to the World. Like the article said, "exposure is everything, and the medium is the message."
I don't know very many people whose lives are not affected by homosexuality in one way or another. However, as members of the church we have a responsibility to share the message of marriage and family. God's laws are constant and will never change, no matter which way the wind of the world is blowing. We know what side of history is the right one, and in time all things will be made known. But which side are we standing on in the meantime? And are we being bold in declaring the truth?
The readings this week have reminded me that I can't keep my head in the sand when it comes to sensitive issues like this one. I am saddened by the threats to marriage and family that come with the "gay agenda." These are truly the last days, and we are all here at this time for a reason. We need to choose a side, take a stand, be bold, and share the truth that marriage matters. Family matters. God matters.
What can YOU be doing to turn the tables on the gay agenda?
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