Houston Landscapers Refuse Gay Couple’s JobWe Refuse to Work for Homosexuals
A private business has the legal right to choose its clientele. There is no law to prevent that nor would I support one.
A dissatisfied customer or potential customer has the right to choose another business and to inform others of their concerns and to encourage others not to shop there. It’s called a boycott. American Family Association does this all the time.
In this particular case, it doesn’t appear that the original source of the complaint was rude or threatening. It is unfortunate and unacceptable that others were, just as it is unfortunate and unacceptable that believers will be as rude and threatening to businesses that they have chosen to boycott.
But here is my question.
How does the choice of the business owners in this story further the kingdom of God? Granted they are in their legal rights to refuse service anyone but as followers of Christ, WE are not citizens of this world. We are held to a different standard. We are not called to hold onto our rights but to die to self, to sacrifice and to serve others.
If they are going to make a stand on Biblical beliefs, are they being consistent? Are they refusing business to gluttons, idolators, gossips, liars, adulterers, prideful people?
As believers, we are are called to reflect the character of God. It is lovingkindness that leads to repentance. I just don’t see how the decision of the business owners was beneficial in leading anyone to repentance. If anything, it has probably been harmful.
Even as I re-read what I have already written, I am struggling. God is dealing with my hypocritical heart. I want to hoard grace for myself and those that I think deserve it. God is raising up in me a compassion for people, for ALL people and this type of story burns deep within me. But I find as I try to express my thoughts, I sound judgemental … toward other Christians, toward those that I think need repentance in their lives. God’s heart draws me to love, to serve, to hurt for others. But my self rises up again and again, demanding its own way.
God! Have mercy on me, a sinner!
Immersed in the Mystery,
Cynthia
