God's Laws

Usually, I keep quiet about controversy surrounding my faith. I am not one who likes to get into bible bashing. I also have a strong conviction about how profound the influence is in living by example. Recently however, the leaders of the church have once again come under attack for voicing the church’s stance on homosexuality. And after many remarks by non-LDS friends in a broad forum, I can no longer sit in silence. Everything within me dictates that I use my voice. So here it is:

I love the law. I always have from the time I was a teen. Something about it fascinates me. But make no mistake, there is an immense difference between civil law and God’s law. Civil law is created by man – and subject to change by the whims of man. We are human after all, and too often succumb to the temptations in life – which leads us to change or interpret the law to ourselves; to change it as we deem is important or relevant in the moment.

We are not perfect. Our law therefore cannot be perfect. We are not wise enough to govern ourselves. It is critical then that we have laws that are permanent, non transient and finite. Isn’t it wonderful that we have such laws, literally written in stone by God’s hand, to help us know how to govern ourselves? But these laws are fixed or they would be no better than man’s laws.

Yes, I am referring to the 10 commandments. Some would argue that homosexuality is not mentioned in the 10 commandments. Maybe. I’ll leave that part vague for now. But, it does clearly say in the bible, book of Genesis, that woman was created to be a helpmeet for man. Not man for man. Not woman for woman. Man AND Woman, together. Always was and always will be - because God’s laws are fixed, permanent, non transient and finite. We can justify and rationalize all we want. God’s laws do not change, we do. And trying to bend God’s laws to us will never work. Never.

I watched President Packer’s talk from our general conference last weekend. I had it recorded so I watched it a few times. Not once did I ever hear him lash out at those who were struggling with this lifestyle choice. Only was he firm in voicing God’s law. In clarifying that it is indeed a choice - reiterating that man and woman are to be together in this mortal, earthly life.

I have had friends and step-relations who have been “gay.” I love them no less than anyone else. They have been important parts of my life at different times. But never once have I approved of or encouraged such a lifestyle choice. For yes, I do believe it is a choice. I believe God is a God of Love. For we are His children. And I cannot fathom that He would send His children to earth in confusion such as this or to live in a state against His laws. I know these things because I would never do so to my own children.

I firmly believe that we can love the sinner, but hate the sin. Especially true in this case.