How Do We Serve the LGBT Community?
What Would You Do With 24 Hours to Live?
Before we dive into this post, I'd like to pose a question: If you had only 24 hours left to live and the power to make one final wish, what would it be?
If you're anything like me, your initial inclination might be to embark on an adventure, engaging in thrilling activities like skydiving, scuba diving, or white-water rafting. After all, with just 24 hours, why not go for the extraordinary? Alternatively, you might opt for a serene vacation with your loved ones, or choose to embark on a solitary mountain climb to reflect on your time of earth.
However, these don’t align with the example set before us.
In John 13, we witness the moving scene of the Last Supper. Jesus, with just hours remaining before his imminent capture, trial, and crucifixion, partakes in this meal, which essentially serves as his last request, much like the final meal given to inmates on death row.
Reflecting on this, if I were to have my last meal, I'd envision a perfect experience. It would be a comfortable setting, with me savoring the finest medium-rare burger topped with an egg and aioli sauce, accompanied by truffle cheese-dusted French fries. In essence, I believe most of us would gravitate towards choosing comfort and indulgence for our final wish. Whether it's a serene vacation or an adventurous escapade, our innate nature often leans towards self-interest and personal gratification.
But What would Jesus do?
The thing is, as mentioned above, Jesus has the power to grant any last "wish" He might have had. In verse 3, it is stated, "Jesus knew that the Father had given him all authority over everything." In chapter 18 of the same book, when Jesus surrendered himself to the Roman guard, He spoke just three words - "I Am He" - and caused a rushing wind that knocked everyone over. Jesus wields immense power, often underestimated by many of us. The Jesus we worship and read about is Great and Mighty, with the capability to move mountains and even knock people over with just a breath. I can only imagine what he would do with his final wish, his last act while he was still alive...
He would wash peoples feet.
WHAT?! Talk about a grand finale, with all the lights, the camera, and the action. Jesus of Nazareth could have orchestrated a glorious, picture-perfect last hurrah, one that would put Marvel cinematic spectacles to shame. The Lord, the Creator of the universe, chose to engage in the humble act of washing the disciples' feet.
Dr. David Wheeler, an evangelism professor at Liberty University, aptly put it like this: "We cannot comprehend Jesus' glorification without first grasping his humiliation."
The task of washing feet was typically given to the gentile slave, who in this era, would have been considered worthless, come might have even described them as soulless. Talk about humiliating. But Jesus willing took on the role, whilst the disciples just were arguing on who would be given the highest status in heaven, Jesus “got up from the table, took off His robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him.” Think of it, the God of the universe sent His son, Jesus, equally powerful and with all authority, to go to earth as a man, but not even a man with high status like a king, but one who served like a gentile slave, who then would die the death of a thief.
How humble of a life Jesus lived! (spoiler alert: He rose from the dead)
How should this influence the way we serve the LGBT community?
It should change everything!
All too often, and I must admit I've been guilty of this, we view the LGBT community as dirty, untouchable, and beyond reach. We internalize these beliefs and act upon them, whether directly or indirectly, and effectively deem these individuals as lost and unreachable. We make them outcasts.
If we turn to the example set by Jesus, we are called to embrace the role of lowly, humble servants. We are meant to engage in the act of "washing feet," tending to the needs of others while guiding them toward God in the process. However, more often than not, we fail in this duty. Instead of assuming the posture of humble servants, we remain seated on self-made thrones, directing traffic, and indirectly opt for someone else to serve them, though we might not even care if we are being honest.
In the Gospel of Luke, there's a story of a demon-possessed man. It recounts how he had been "homeless and naked, living in the tombs for a long time" Luke 8:27. Yet, despite his dire circumstances, he rushes to Jesus, a man renowned for His healing and His unconditional love. As a result, the man is not only healed but also clothed, and he proceeds to live a life of "proclaiming the great things Jesus had done for him."
Consider someone you may know in the LGBT community. Sadly, many of them may find themselves in situations analogous to being homeless, figuratively or literally, and feeling disconnected from the church. However, what does Jesus do? He heals the man. He doesn't dwell on the man's past lifestyle or actions; instead, he offers healing and instructs the man to proclaim Jesus as his savior to all his friends and family.
Jesus didn't look upon the demon-possessed man and think, "I'm far superior to this individual; let one of my disciples handle this." Instead, Jesus humbled himself, knelt down, and washed the man's feet. He addressed the situation and positioned himself beneath even the "lowest of the low."
The Current Problem with the Liberty University
I'll be candid and forthright here. During my first year at Liberty University, there were individuals who pushed me away from my yet-to-begin-faith. They frequently used crude humor targeting gay individuals, cloaked in jest, but deeply rooted in pride. With each joke, they not only expressed an inner belief in their superiority, but also undermined the very faith they professed. I often though how they could be such hypocrites, how individuals who raised their hands in worship could use the same hands to “cast the first stone.” It felt profoundly wrong.
Pre-Christian Micah was correct; it was indeed wrong. But I now realize this: many people just don't understand the true power of their words! Even now, 2.5 years post-conversion, I can say the situation hasn't improved much. There should be no place for crude humor, so why is there still? We have to talk about it!
Remember, change begins with each one of us putting on a servant's towel, picking up a basin, and humbly washing someone's feet. Start today.
Questions for Reflection
Do your jokes outcast certain groups of people?
Have you built a reputation, much like Jesus did, where those who are hurting and marginalized feel safe enough to be open and honest with you? How have you done that?
Does the environment on your residence hall foster a space where those struggling can find support? Do they feel outcasted?
Does the largest Christian university foster an environment of exclusion or inclusion?
You have just 24 hours left to live. You get to wash one person's feet. Whose do you choose to serve like a humble servant? How can we encourage others to serve?
How Do We Respond
We Respond With Humility
Do you have any questions about the Christian faith or sexuality?
Do you have your own testimony to share?
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