Consider these lessons from Eugene Peterson\u2019s ordeal.<\/p>\n
First, there is nowhere to hide. Every pastor, every Christian leader, every author \u2014 even every believer \u2014 will have to answer the question. The question cannot simply be about same-sex marriage. The question is about whether or not the believer is willing to declare and defend God\u2019s revealed plan for human sexuality and gender as clearly revealed in the Bible.<\/p>\n
Second, you had better have your answer ready. Evasive, wandering, and inconclusive answers will be seen for what they are. Those who have fled for security to the house of evasion must know that the structure has crumbled. It always does.<\/p>\n
Third, if you will stand for the Bible\u2019s clear teachings on sexuality and gender, you had better be ready to answer the same way over and over and over again. The question will come back again and again, in hopes that you have finally decided to \u201cget on the right side of history.\u201d Faithfulness requires consistency \u2014 that \u201clong obedience in the same direction.\u201d
\nThat is what it means to be a disciple of Christ, as Eugene Peterson has now taught us. In more ways than one.<\/p>\n