This time of the year, many companies enjoy an increase in revenue as a result of Christmas shoppers purchasing gifts. Food companies and grocers may also benefit – especially if they have a restaurant or store near a mall or sell specialty goods. We also see an increase in travel, which means more income for the airline companies. In light of this, it brings to mind what has been going on in the news media lately. It’s hard to ignore the fact that all types of companies are emerging publicly, taking moral stands; most of which are in direct defiance to God’s Word.
The two primary issues which many companies define themselves by nowadays are their stance on abortion and homosexuality. However, it seems that the “pro-gay” or “anti-gay” issue has gotten the most attention and has caused the most debate. Many companies are coming forward, even going to Washington, with their support of gay marriage.
Before we proceed, let’s remember what God’s Word states. No matter what is popular or the politically-correct thing to do, we must strive to please God above man. For more information, please see my blog HERE.
How Does This Impact Me?
In reality, what companies choose to support or not support has no huge repercussions upon us; however, it brings to light an undeniable reality. You see, there must come a time in life when we choose whom we will serve. As the end draws near, the “fence-rider believers” will need to make a choice; either they are completely sold out to God or completely sold out to the world, sin, and Satan – there’s no middle ground. We’re either all IN or all OUT. The Lord has said, “So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of My mouth” (Revelation 3:16). It is as if God is separating the “men from the boys”, the “wheat from the chaff”, the “sheep from the goats”… so to speak.
So many companies, and even parts of the U.S. government, cry for “pro-choice” rights. However, do they not recognize that God has given many choices? For example, a portion of scripture found in Joshua 24:15 leaves us with a choice. It states: “Choose you this day whom ye will serve…” Scripture urges us to choose life… a life in Jesus that will do away with our fleshly whims and sinful desires. Many companies also want “equality” and “acceptance”. Likewise, do they not recognize that God gives each person equal choice to repent of their sins and find eternal life? The Bible says, “…Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him” (Acts 10:34-35). God accepts everyone that desires to be free from their sin. Homosexuality is a sin that God will forgive if the individual truly turns from it and submits to his Lordship. Additionally, we see an open-invitation to all in John 3:16-17. “…whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”
Why Do Companies Cater to Sin?
The question, “Why do companies cater to sin?” can be easily answered with three statements:
1.) They love money more than they love God. It is not in vain that 1st Timothy 6:10 warns, “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” Likewise, Luke 16:13 states: “No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon [money].”
2.) Their leadership embraces sin. Most sinful leaders desire that the whole company fall under the umbrella of their sinful moral stances. On the outside, such individuals may appear kind, or as if they are trying to be respectful by “keeping the peace”. Some may even be charitable and giving – making them easy to like. While we, as Christians, certainly do not hate them – we must be very wary of them. You see, even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light, as to deceive (see 2nd Cor. 11:14). Similar to the false prophets the Bible addresses, such sinful company leaders may come as peaceable sheep – when inside, they are ravenous wolves who are in sin and wish to bring others down to their level.
3.) They are too cowardly to take a biblical, moral stand. The Bible plainly states: “But the fearful [cowardly], and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” Let’s focus on the beginning of this scripture – what is meant by the word, “fearful”, as used in this text? The definition of this word, as used in scripture, is translated as, “…describing a person who loses their moral gumption (fortitude) that is needed to follow the Lord.” And as one who is, “…fearful of losses; refers to an excessive fear (dread) of losing, causing someone to be fainthearted (cowardly) – hence, to fall short in following Christ as Lord.” This would definitely apply to scores of company leaders nowadays, along with many other individuals. Will we take the path of least resistance? Or will we take the narrow road that leads to life?
Again, such company leaders think they’re “keeping the peace”… and, maybe they are with mankind; but not with God – as they so easily ignore his holy word. If they stand for what is right, what does it matter if they lose their company?! Why gain the whole world, yet, lose the eternal soul within? Christian martyrs lose their very lives on a consistent basis, yet these types of business leaders fear losing a temporary thing such as money. Likewise, they fear being hated, called names, boycotted, etc. if they would stand for the true biblical definition of marriage. Do they not believe God will meet their needs even if their company went under? Be sure of this – once you have a firm foundation and do not waver in your beliefs in God’s Word – you will be fought and you will not be embraced by the sinful world. Remember… “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you” (John 15:19).
Strengthening the Hands of Evil-Doers?
One may ask, “Is it a sin if I patronize a company which supports sin?”
I would say it is, somewhat, a matter of conscience. Personally, it used to be commonplace for me to go to any local store and buy what was needed, with no second-thoughts. But nowadays, it almost feels like I’m “casting my vote” when I choose which stores to patronize. I often ask myself, “Am I strengthening the hands of evil-doers?” I have actually boycotted companies that pride themselves on being “pro-gay” or “pro-choice” (a.k.a. “pro-sin”). Even if they don’t miss me as a customer, I must still do what I feel is right.
However, I must also take everything in balance and know that I am in the world, but not of it. (see John 17:15-16)… Furthermore, there is no way possible that I could ensure that all the money I spent would, indeed, only go to Christian individuals or companies. Think about it… most of us must pay bills, pay for gasoline, pay for healthcare, and purchase groceries; we can’t ensure that each store or company is Christian-owned and operated. In the end, we must bear in mind that we can’t get too legalistic about which store(s) we patronize, since there is no direct scriptural prohibition. While keeping this thought in balance, however, we must never do anything which would cause others to stumble/sin or which would defy our conscience. If a fellow-Christian feels convicted that he/she should not shop at a certain store, then we should not demean them for their conviction. They are merely trying to please the Lord and live a clean, wholesome life before him.
Although there is no scriptural prohibition on where we choose to shop, I want to be crystal clear about one thing. That is – obviously, we wouldn’t patronize a “XXX” adult store, stores selling occultic items, or anything sinful. Nonetheless, when I have an option, I prefer to patronize Christian-owned companies and/or companies that aren’t siding with sin.
If there is still a question in your mind, I implore you to listen to what Pastor John Piper has to say in this brief audio clip HERE.
Companies are Owned by People… with Souls
Companies can get so big that we lose sight of the individuals behind them. Sadly, so many companies that are “pro-sin” have leadership who have been blinded by sin. They desperately need God. Simply do an online search, and many of these “pro-sin” companies will appear.
Although the companies supporting gay marriage are many, bear in mind that the image below is not an exhaustive list. But, this is meant to give you an idea of how wide-spread the support of sin is.
If in doubt, please verify with the individual company to make sure they haven’t recently changed their stance.
Now, in an astounding comparison, see the image below. Notice how few companies still support traditional, biblical marriage? However, let us also take this scripture to heart… “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matt. 7:13-14).
If in doubt, please verify with the individual company to make sure they haven’t recently changed their stance.
In summation, let us remember that it takes more courage to stand alone. The above-mentioned scripture (in Matthew) proves that popularity is not always a good thing. Still, stand tall and know that God is on our side as we stand firm upon the Bible. If God is for us, what does it matter if even the whole world is against us? He just needs a few good men and women who will stand for the truth!
Informative Links:
Huffington Post article – click HERE
Pastor John Piper audio clip – click HERE
Starbucks Boycott blog – click HERE
LGBT Deception blog – click HERE
Sources:
huffingtonpost.com
soundcloud.com
polyvore.com
biblos.com
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