As a fundamental element of human dignity and freedom, human right must be upheld. This regrettably has given way to absurdity resulting in abominations misconstrued as human rights. The recent one is the ruling in favour of same-sex marriage by the United States of America’s (USA) highest court and how thousands of people went gaga upon the news. Anyway one should not really be surprised by this ruling knowing that the USA is the 20th country to legalize same-sex marriage. Earlier in May this year, Ireland made headlines after becoming the first country in the world to introduce same-sex marriage through a popular vote, where more than 62 percent voted in favour of it. In our own backyard, South Africa has also legalized same-sex marriage. Even though this trend is worrying, it remains an individual choice to flee from or join this abomination. An African proverb captures it better -“you cannot stop birds from flying over your head but you can stop them from making a nest on your head.”
In spite of all the justifications being advanced for same-sex marriage, it remains a perverse and ungodly act that is against human dignity, existence and the very laws of nature. It reflects the moral decadence of humanity resulting from the lack of the fear of God. The Bible expound on how mans’ failure to acknowledge and be thankful to God has landed mankind in utmost absurdity - For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the women, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting - Romans 1:26–28.
This perverse act of homosexuality dates back to the historical Sodom - now before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, both old and young, all the people from every quarter, surrounded the house. And they called to lot and said to him, “where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us that we may know them carnally.” Genesis 19:4–5. However, never in history has it been advanced to what we are seeing now. It is unfortunate that we have come this far in reducing the human dignity and approving what is a deviation from nature and norm. Instead of world leaders focusing on providing support – psychological and spiritual help for lesbians and gays in their misfortune, they are approving and encouraging many into this absurdity and eternal perdition. The fallen human nature is naturally inclined to evil - for what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do - Romans 7:15 and to make things worse, leaders are further making the world more ensnaring for mankind. Yet there is hope.
What can we do? …continue in the things which we have learned and been assured of, knowing from who we have learned them- 2 Timothy 3:14. Indeed we have rights and will continue to have rights. Long ago Joshua told the people of old - …if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell… - Joshua 24:1. Indeed we are free to choose so many things. After all no one except God watches who one sleeps with in that hidden place. But we are not free to choose the consequences of our actions - rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth; walk in the ways of your heart, and in the sight of your eye; but know that for all these God will bring you into judgment - Ecclesiastes 11:9. The choice is ours to make and the result is given according to our choices. Choose right and get right rewards.
A word to African leaders is not to be coerced into approving same-sex marriage in the name of conditionalities. Where are we after years of foreign assistance and conditionalities? Let’s use our own resources to develop Africa. For once the remaining African countries should be firm and teach the West some values. After all, they (the West) have taught us (Africans) a lot over decades. It is time we (Africans) also teach them (the West) something - that for same-sex marriage they got it wrong, and we want it right. Believers must be steadfast in prayer in such times. Long live God ordained marriage.
Emmanuel K. Mawuena
kmawuenah@gmail.com
