A Changed Perspective on Homosexuality

I waited tables at Cracker Barrel, when I was in college and seminary.

I had some skills. I proudly wore the brown and gold. Four stars decorated my chest. What I could accomplish with a sweet tea pitcher was nothing short of a gift of the Holy Spirit.

It was while waiting tables that God changed my perspective on homosexuality.

The Cracker Barrel was on I-65 beside Mammoth Cave National Park. The rocking chairs were at full tilt, when in walked an evangelist heading to a revival with his wife.

While going to place their order, I believe he told his wife, "Let's mess with him to see if we can get a free meal."

To make a long story short, we had several exchanges where he questioned what type of music I listened to and the translation of the Bible I read.

At one point, he looked at me and said, "I question your salvation based on your music and the Bible you read. You are probably going to hell!"

I was fuming.

Here is a backwoods, Children of the Corn preacher telling me that I'm going to hell, because I don't read the King Jimmy (which he can barely read) and he doesn't like my radio station? Ain't nobody got time for dat.

To top things off, I knew who his inspiration was for his sermon illustration that night. Hopefully, someone was saved.

In the end the preacher didn't get a free meal, but I got a couple bucks and a Christian track about how to receive Christ as my personal savior.

I was stewing about the event, when a gay waiter passed behind me. I don't go around saying I hear God's voice all the time (because people who do are normally crazy). But in that moment I felt the Spirit say, "You know he gets that all the time."

Tears filled my eyes, because I realized what my experience was about.

Throughout the escapade, I had spoken to a few servers about it and they were enjoying my righteous anger (because a mad Christian is entertaining). Word got back to the gay waiter. He walked up to me and said with pain-filled words, "You know I get that all the time."

Tears filled my eyes for a second time.

We were able to talk some after that. He shared with me how he had been molested by a member of the clergy, when he was young. My heart was broken for him.

Am I saying that homosexuality is right or acceptable? No, I'm not. My theology doesn't allow for that.

But is it right or acceptable for Christians to reject homosexuals based on their sin? No!

You aren't responsible for someone else's actions. But you are responsible for how you love others (gays included).

There's a good chance that my friend will never be open to the Christian faith. Not based on his outright rejection of Jesus, but based on the rejection he has felt from some Christians. To think that he gets that he's going to hell instead of a Christian showing him Jesus' love is tragic! In fact, it's sinful!

You will never be able to show Christ's love for others, if you are too busy telling them how badly they suck. It's doesn't work that way.

Question:
Has God ever used an ordinary moment to change your perspective on something?