Pastor's Corner by Pastor Larry

November, 2005

Just about five years ago, California voters passed Proposition 22, in which it stipulates that it is the people’s choice to uphold marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Since then, advocates for “same-sex marriage” have been challenging the spirit of Proposition 22. The mayor of San Francisco, Gary Newsom, openly issued marriage licenses to same-sex couples as a defiant opposition to this measure. In addition, the legislature passed the legislation of “gender-neutral” marriages (only to be vetoed by the governor). These are a couple of examples to show how liberal politicians are trying to undermine the will of the people and the state constitution. Recently, a judge in San Francisco found a loophole in the wordings of the Constitution, and has thus ruled that there is a “right” to have same-sex marriages under the California State Constitution. It is now pending the ruling by the appellate courts.

As this issue is being battled in the political arena, many Christians have jumped on the “bandwagon” to protect the traditional marriage by petitioning to amend the Constitution, which reads, “A marriage between a man and a woman is the only legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this state.” Rightfully so! I believe it needs to be done. Our church is collecting signatures to support this amendment. This is the very least and the first step towards the right direction that we can do in the political arena to uphold our belief.

As Christians, I believe there is a higher calling for us to protect the wholesomeness of marriage by living out what “Christian marriage” is all about. It is sad to say that there are so many broken Christian families. The percentage of Evangelicals who file for divorce is no less than that of the pagans’. If we claim God’s love is so wonderful, why can’t people see that in our marriages? The short-term remedy to stop the avalanche of the same-sex marriage, if at all possible, is through the political channel, but the long-term remedy to “fix” this problem is having Christian couples live out wholesome marriages so that it may create a thirst for society to pursue biblical marriages. Can we change everybody’s minds? I would love to say, “Yes,” but in reality, the answer probably is, “No.” Before we want to change the world, let’s try to change ourselves and the peers who are around us. If our marriages are successful in the midst of unsuccessful marriages, I imagine we can raise some eyebrows. Apostle Peter said, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” The principle of explaining our hope extends to explaining our happy marriage.

Before I sign off, it is my wish that all of you will have a deeper and fuller understanding of what it means to love our spouses sacrificially. It is seeking the best for him or her, according to God’s will. I also wish you a happy Thanksgiving. Come to think about it, maybe you can take this opportunity to thank God for your spouse, and also to verbalize it to your spouse.

Pastor Larry