As a pastor, I am frequently asked about my thoughts on the GLBT community.  Mostly I am asked because the Lutheran Church has allowed gay men and women to be ordained.  Here is my response: I have been a part of a congregation where the pastor was gay. I was a witness to the fact that this pastor reached a community of believers that I could not ever possibly reach – just for the reason I am not gay.  This community worshipped on Sunday, participated in growing God’s Kingdom in that place, and engaged in the Word of God through Bible Studies and the Holy Sacraments.  Therefore, for me it is obvious that God calls all kinds of people to preach God’s Word.  Because we are human, we tend to want to judge others thinking that we are more righteous.  However, in God’s eyes, a sin is a sin.  Therefore, be careful before judging others until you have taken a good look at yourself.

In John 12;44-50, Jesus speaks out saying, “Whoever believes in me believes not in me but in him who sent me…I do not judge anyone who hears my words and does not keep them…The one who rejects me and does not receive my word has a judge; on the last day, the word that I have spoken will serve as judge.” 

 Trying to be the judge of others is exhausting.  In fact, it’s above my pay grade!  Jesus has commanded us to love one another.  We don’t have to agree with how others live their lives or even with their choice of sexuality.  I am not the judge and neither or you!  Instead, be concerned with how you are living your life.  How are you responding to the Word of God?  Are you participating in the Life of Christ as God has called you to do?

Let us pray…Gracious God, we tend to think that how we live is the right way.  But, we never know the full story about other people and their devotion to you.  Help us to be careful of judging others.  Open our hearts and minds to our way of life that leads us to our salvation.  In your name we pray, Amen.