and be given the heart of a beast,"
Full growth doesn't mean we have to seal things up for another time, as in Daniel 12:4,
"But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased."
Full growth doesn't mean reverting back to the Alpha-Ape state or having another Inquisition saying, "Kill them all - let God decide who are the sheep and who are the goats!"
Growth means spiritual common sense, like Matthew 13:31,32
"The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed which a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the biggest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air can come and shelter in its branches."
Likewise, alternative marriages and their families can only begin to grow if Christians can see God's Spirit in them! How are your eyes today? Where is your heart at? Is there room in your heart for love? Just what is it you see?
We need to remember whenever someone preaches damnation towards homosexuality, that every dog has it's day. Take the opportunity to thank that someone for their sermon and then get your best shot in as follows:
"Thank you for your sermon today. I can clearly see that your faith is growing, and that God is working on your heart. With Spiritual eyes, I see exactly where you are on the Alpha Ape to Omega Man scale, and will continue to pray that God will increase your love. I can also see that God is going to give you an opportunity to renew your mind. It's my hope and prayer that your heart and mind will become one in His Spirit, and joy will be your natural by-product. May God richly bless you as you get filled with His Spirit and have your eyes opened again!
Lord, you know it breaks our hearts to see petty bickering and overly-simplistic faith amongst your people especially in a land as rich as ours. Yet, you know we have your peace within (not as the world gives) concerning alternative marriages, our families, and their part within your Kingdom. Forgive those who trespass against us. Heal the rifts between us. Help us to stop hurting each other and somehow through it all, to start acting in love. We especially pray for our religious and political leaders, that they would be filled with the Spirit of your love, and be so moved as to help bring your will to Earth as it is in heaven. Grant them Spiritual eyes, O Lord. Help them to see your Spirit living within alternative lifestyles. Help them to make changes that ensure the happiness, well being and social equality of everyone. And bring us to fullness of joy, that we may share our gifts and ministries in a hurting world and within our own families and communities, where there's still a lot to do. Help us all to know that with you, all things are possible. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
