I felt the need to pull back from the over-dramatized media headlines, passive/aggressive Facebook posts, and volatile video interviews demonizing political leadership. This is only an example of the thought process I have taken regarding Indiana RFRA.
I read a statement posted by Pastor Michael K. Jones and would like to address it vis-à-vis RFRA, because those of Christian faith appear varied in opinion (albeit we utilize the same Bible and serve the same God).
"As Christians, we are called to speak the truth in love. Many of us take that as a license to tell it like it is! As important as this is, there is a bit more to the story. Telling it like it is, only describes things and people. As the people of God, we are called to do more than describe, we are called to change the world. So . . . Don't just tell it like it is, that doesn't change anything. Tell it like God says it can be . . . that changes everything." Pastor Michael K. Jones
Pastor Jones makes a very good point, in that Christians are "called to do more than describe, we are called to change". Knowledge is power. (Getting understanding. Proverbs 4:7) Spiritual discernment, MORE powerful. (Hearing what God says concerning it. Mark 4:9) Addressing it God's way...the MOST powerful. (Obedience to what God says. James 1:22-25) So, what does that process look like? This is the process I personally have taken.
1st step - Prayer ("...pray without ceasing..." 1 Thessalonians 5:17). You have to get/have the mind of Christ. If your motive is revenge, shut it down and stay in your lane. "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” Romans 12:19
2nd step - Fully grasping what it is you are desiring to change. Read the facts, not just the headlines. You can't change anything until you are able to describe intelligently what the issue is (as opposed to what the issue COULD be). Among other things, I suggest reading the following:
-Read the Bible (Suggestions only: Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9; Matthew 22:37-39)
-Title II of the Federal Civil Rights Act.
-Read the Indiana Civil Rights Laws and Regulations (ICRC).
-Federal RFRA of 1993
-Indiana RFRA
-Read definitions of sex and gender
3rd step - Engage in healthy, civil conversation regarding the issue. This is not to polarize one side or the other. Step in the "shoes" of one another. God has given us the grace to disagree, thereby respectfully acknowledging each others perspective. (Thank you, LC!)
4th step - Act. "...faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." (James 2:14-16) If there is a way for you to support your perspective (without malice, strife, contention, violence, etc.) that will promote the change you seek, then do it. That could be anything from intercession to signing a petition to a blog post.
"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man." Ecclesiastes 12:13
