Staying on Target – Christian thoughts concerning Target’s decision on transgender equality.

Staying on Target – Christian thoughts concerning Target’s decision on transgender equality.

I like shopping at Target with my wife. Especially when there is a Starbucks in the front of the store.

When I heard about Target’s decision this week it got me thinking. If you haven’t heard, the major department store retailer announced that transgender customers and employees are welcome to use the bathroom or fitting room that matches their gender identity while shopping or working at its stores.

The company said, "Everyone deserves to feel like they belong," and then continued, "You’ll always be accepted, respected and welcomed at Target."

As you can imagine this has caused a stir in the media. No matter who you are you probably have thoughts and concerns on the issue, and rightly so.

This reminded me of when Howard Schultz said, “Starbucks decision to support gay marriage was not an economic decision to me. The lens in which we are making that decision is through the lens of our people. We employ over 200,000 people in this company, and we want to embrace diversity. Of all kinds.”

Remembering this really got me thinking. I like shopping at Target, and I really like a good Vente, decaf, ice coffee with two Splendas and a little bit of half and half.

How is the Christian to think? What is the Christian to do? These statements from Target raise many questions concerning moral issues. However, we do not need to be tempted to think evil thoughts, say unkind words or display condemning actions. The Word of God gives us clear answers so that we may stay on target with all of life’s issues.

I would like to offer up three things to remember to hopefully help you understand the situation more clearly.

The first thing to remember is that “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God”. The bible clearly states that we live in a lost and dying world. Romans chapter one clearly reveals that without the Savior mankind spirals out of control into sin and death. So, in knowing that we live in a sin filled world, we can expect Target’s decision and yes, even worse things to come.

Jesus Himself told His disciples to “not be surprised” when they were persecuted for righteousness sake. If persecution should not surprise the Christian then anything less than persecution shouldn’t either, right? In fact, we are constantly warned of perilous times, fiery trials, hatred and the persecution of God’s people. You wouldn’t expect to walk into a hospital ER as see a bunch of well people, would you? So, you shouldn’t expect to see righteousness as the norm in a fallen world. Certainly, we rejoice when we do see society at large making decisions that seem to be inline with the Word of God, but as the norm it should not be expected.

So, when you see a sinful decision like Target’s that goes against your Christian convictions, just remember first that you live in a temporary, fallen world dominated by sin and unrighteousness.

The second thing to remember is you cannot go out of this world. Some Christians advocate boycotting companies like Target. I understand their plea. However, if you keep in mind that we live in a fallen world you will realize soon enough that boycotting isn’t the answer. Starbucks, Target, Johnson & Johnson and the list goes on and on and on. Pretty soon if you boycott all the companies practicing sin (which is all of them at some level or another) you are left with nowhere to get food, clothing or the basic necessities of life. You would have to go out of the world, but you can’t. What do you do? You remember the words of the Apostle Paul to the people in the Church at Corinth.

In 1 Corinthians 5:9-13 Paul writes, “I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world.”

We cannot go out of the world. However, we certainly can take steps to guard our hearts and the hearts of those we love.

One of the greatest concerns with Target’s decision is the protection of our children. There really are simple, godly answers. Today most major stores have three types of restrooms, Male, Female and the Family restroom. You and your children can use the “Family Restroom”. Personally, I never let my little children go anywhere alone, especially into a public restroom. The Family designated restroom is always lockable too. You may have to wait sometimes, but this works on your patience as well, so it is win-win for everybody.

So, next time you find yourself longing for a Starbucks coffee and some Archer Farms cookies (Target’s brand) remember you can’t go out of the world, but you can “guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus”.

The third thing to remember is that “we walk by faith and not by sight”. The kingdom of heaven is eternal and this world is temporary. Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world” and “the kingdom of God is within you”. Christ’s kingdom is a spiritual kingdom not an earthly kingdom. We are not called by God to fight an economic, social or political battle for the kingdom, but we are called to “fight the good fight of faith” so that “men will look on our good deeds and glorify our Father who is in heaven”.

When Jesus Christ died upon the cross He said, “it is finished”. The battle against sin, the Devil, death, the grave and Hell itself has been won.

We live in a sin filled, fallen world, but this world is not our home.

We cannot for this moment go out of the world, but this world is passing away.

The kingdom of God is not eating or drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. So, in remembering that the kingdom is eternal and this world is temporary you must remember that we walk by faith and not by sight.

When you hear and see things in the news that make you sad, mad or discouraged with the world around you, remember that you walk by faith. Do not be tempted to sin. Do not be tempted to evil thoughts, unkind words or condemning actions, but rather remember Jesus Christ. He is the Author and Finisher of our faith. If He endured such hardship and contradiction of sinners against Himself to the point of death on a cross you can certainly deal lovingly with situations that arise from the moral issues of life. You can truly count it all joy when you encounter various trials. These things are but momentary light afflictions as compared with the eternal weight of glory that is to be revealed in us when He returns or calls us home.

Fight the good fight of faith. In Christ alone you will stay on target.