“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (Isaiah 5:20)

Too often, biblical values have been on the losing side of recent skirmishes in the culture wars. Nowhere is this more evident than in the arena of sexuality and gender, where perverted distortions of God’s good creation are celebrated every June under the guise of Pride Month.

In many ways, the perennial celebration of all things ‘gay’ is nothing less than a cynical marketing ploy on the part of companies, celebrities, and others who see a fad they can exploit for personal gain. Ask anyone who shops at Target, watches cable television, or attends a Major League Baseball game in June. There’s a lot of money to be made, and a lot of cultural cachet to be gained, in celebrating LGBT Pride.

It certainly seems that God has handed our culture over to a spirit of degeneracy (Rom. 1:24-28). But there’s a silver lining: This sad state of affairs gives Christians an opportunity to demonstrate faithfulness to God, and love for neighbor, by standing for biblical truth.

First, Christians must refuse to celebrate evil. How can we revel in something that God calls an abomination (Lev. 20:13)? And why should we pride ourselves in something that separates us from the Kingdom of God (1 Cor. 6:9-12)? It’s one thing to struggle with sin privately, but it’s another thing entirely to proudly proclaim your sin and identify with it. Ultimately, this spirit of pride is rooted in deep-seated rebellion against God.

Second, Christians must refuse to lend their endorsement, implied or explicit, to the gay lifestyle. Anyone who participates in Pride festivities violates the biblical teaching that “love finds no joy in unrighteousness” (1 Cor. 13:6). Sexual immorality devastates individuals, families, and communities (see: the first chapter of Romans). Can we really say we love our LGBT-identified neighbors if we celebrate the sinful behaviors that will lead them and others to ruin?

Third, Christians should emphasize that God’s unchanging standard for sexuality was revealed to mankind for our good and protection. God has created all things for good when they are used according to His design, and that includes sexual intercourse as well as sexuality more broadly. But when we surrender to our lusts and engage in unnatural sexual behaviors, we end up sinning against our own bodies (1 Cor. 6:18), and we expose ourselves to emotional harm, health problems, and spiritual consequences.

In this cultural moment, we would do well to remember the scriptural warning: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). There is still time, though, for prideful sinners to find atonement in Christ, if only they repent, turn from their sins, and come to Him.

PRAYER. God, our hearts are broken as we recognize the depths of evil in which our culture has fallen. Give us the strength to resist the cultural forces that work to coerce us into conforming or remaining silent on issues of sexuality. Help us to speak and stand for your truth in ways marked by love.

We pray that your Spirit may work throughout this land, that the idols and sacred pillars of LGBT Pride may be torn down and smashed. And may you extend your saving hand to those who struggle with their sexuality, so they find forgiveness, peace, and identity in Christ.

Originally published on June 2, 2022.