Can Big Government Stop “Bullying?”

Today is Spirit Day, sponsored by GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation).  We are invited to wear purple to demonstrate that we “stand against bullying and show [our] support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth.”  Okay, but by my definition of “tolerance”  I look at each group and cause to see what they are against.  In this case, they are against much more than bullying.  But let me digress to give some history to explain why I believe we need to do more than wear purple, and why big government isn't the one to stop the bullying.

When I was learning what it is to be a man, my parents and teachers were "there for me" to teach me to "love my neighbor" regardless of his or her behavior or preferences.  Although I did not fully understand the concept of homosexuality, it was not uncommon for m to hear the labels like “homo” and “queer.” (“gay” didn’t enter my hearing until the mid- to late 60’s).   I soon learned that it was wrong to mistreat people who looked and acted differently.  In particular, I learned to accept both racial minorities and religious minorities (Amish) in our neighborhood because my parents and teachers set a good example by their attitudes and behavior, and occasionally applied forceful discipline to us when we needed it.  

Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio)

Now we have politicians in Washington like Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown teaching us to define "classes of people" (LGBT..., black, white, rich, poor, etc.) that we aren’t supposed to bully.  While Sen. Brown and other liberal progressives teach us to "divide," they directly or indirectly encourage minority classes of people to stand up and be counted because “their lives matter.”  Meanwhile, progressives undermine the very institutions (family, church, police, military, etc.) that are ordained by God to provide moral clarity, personal integrity, order, and structure for our society and for those who will inherit positions of leadership tomorrow.  

Having contributed to the disruption of the key social institutions noted above, they act as if they have compassion on the increasing numbers of people who are deprived of a mother's love, a father's love, a loving church, or protection by honest law enforcement.   Is it any wonder young people are struggling to know who they are, what purpose there is for living, and how to make correct moral judgments?

M.L. King had it right when he emphasized the importance of the "content of character" over the "color of skin" [or should I say, "color of one’s clothes?"]  Why should we single out groups and factions to "treat equally" when in fact, "all lives matter!"  This truth ought to be obvious for those who simply open their Bible and read God's Loving Word to ALL mankind, a love letter that explains how He predicted, then sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross as a holy and perfect sacrifice for all of our sins (e.g. our hate, jealousy, greed, covetousness, immorality, and idolatry).  Jesus suffered and died so that we might have the power to obey two simple commands from God that He gave to us for our own good; namely, love God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength; and, love your neighbor as yourself. 

I am thankful for Sen. Brown and others who are elected to serve our country.  But, we can't expect organizations like GLAAD or politicians of any stripe to do what only God can do--to change hearts from hate to love. We must submit to God so that He can transform our hearts as we take in His Word with the help of His Holy Spirit.  Then, we will WANT to keep the golden rule-- love God, and love thy neighbor. 

Meanwhile, we need government to do what it can do best:  protect America’s borders from invasion while defining and allowing legitimate immigration; uphold the U.S. Constitution through just laws and effective enforcement of the laws of the land, including laws that protect biblical marriage, families, churches, the marketplace, and effective schools and institutions of higher learning. 

Senator Brown, you and your colleagues have a lot of good work to do.  Check out what God says about the value of diversity in the human population and how we should all treat them as much  more than a constituency.  Then, roll up your sleeves, wear purple if you like, and help our government do what it can do best.  Leave the rest to the other equally important institutions.