Some who read this may be quite familiar with the American Family Association and their somewhat frequent calls to boycott certain businesses and corporations. These boycotts are generally tied to some direct support for immoral groups or activities. I know many well-intentioned Christians who fall in and support each and every one of these boycotts, but I know far more that never engage in such protest of immoral businesses. Let me give a few examples:
There are several clothing retailers who have chosen to engage in advertising that borders on pornography (or more concerning - child pornography). Take the case of Abercrombie & Fitch of several years back. The short story - their advertising took a disturbing turn towards portraying young children engaged in rather intimate and suggestive behavior. At the same time, they began selling undergarments for girls under 10 that would compete with Victoria's Secret in intent and purpose. Yet many good church families continued to shop Abercrombie - and many youth continued to show up to church and other Christian events proudly wearing Abercrombie & Fitch-emblazoned fashion.
And who isn't aware of the now somewhat officially-sanctioned "Gay Days" at Disney in Orlando, Florida? What began as an outside-organized event has become an official date on Disney's yearly calendar (first weekend of June). For those who may not be aware of this "event" - Homosexual organizers promote "Gay Days" at Disney as a day to "blow the lid off" at the park. Everything from extremely offensive T-shirts, to open displays of affection that would be considered rude and offensive between heterosexual couples. As pressure was applied to Disney by pro-family groups, Disney initially pawned it off as not organized by the company, and that the park is open to anyone. But then the next step turned the event into an official day on the Disney calendar, with group rates and hotels with a park-wide "celebration of the gay, lesbian, transgender, and cross-dressing lifestyle". Yet millions of Christians continue to support the park with their business and dollars.
Many are familiar with the steady progression of Home Depot and its support of the homosexual agenda. What began as somewhat quiet sponsorship has become open and unrepentant direct support for these groups. From official "Home Depot" floats, shirts, and other materials in so-called "Gay Parades", direct funding of legislative lobbying, and specific advertising and promotion of the homosexual agenda, Home Depot has actively taken a stand. Yet how many Christians blindly (or maybe knowingly?) regularly patronize this business?
We can look at the fairly recent revelations about another very popular organization - the Susan G. Komen Foundation. This organization with a reputation for being on the front lines in raising money in the "fight against breast cancer" has been funding Planned Parenthood, the primary provider of abortions in the US. The preliminary response by Planned Parenthood to this revelation was that the money given to PP was to provide mammograms to poor women. When it was revealed that PP doesn't provide mammograms, and further - was hit by a sting operation that showed that Planned Parenthood actually engaged in and promoted illegal activities, the Susan G. Komen Foundation notified the media that they would cease funding Planned Parenthood. Yet only hours later, reversed course and restored funding to Planned Parenthood with essentially no comment. But many well-intentioned Christians regularly give to the SGK Foundation despite the fact that money they contribute helps to fund abortions as well as the promotion of premarital sex, homosexuality, sodomy, and a variety of other activities that are both offensive to most dedicated Christians, but are encouraging the further destruction of this nation.
But is this any different than the political realm? I never cease to be amazed at how many Christians enter the voting booth having left their Christian faith at home. I will freely admit that no political party has a corner on biblical moral standards. Yet when otherwise upstanding Christians and church members willingly cast votes for candidates (again - regardless of the letter printed beside the name) who are diametrically opposed to all or nearly all Christian/biblical values, how can we be surprised when this nation's morality has dissolved, and a President speaks before the world saying that the United States is no longer a Christian Nation - we should be concerned. The behavior of Christians in relation to politics, finance, marriage, and who we do business with indeed does seem to paint a picture of a nation that has rejected God.
I have heard the argument made that if we stopped doing business with every company that does or has supported things we stand against, we would quickly run out of businesses to patronize. While this might be an easy argument to agree with, we can make decisions based on the blatant nature of the behavior/support given. In the case of clothing - there are numerous retailers who do not openly promote pornography. In the case of medical research and disease fighting - there are non-profit groups that do not engage in direct support of ungodly activities. In the case of candidates for public office, we have choices (and if we don't, it may well still be our fault for not supporting Godly men and women when they do run simply because of a letter next to their names).
Isn't it amazing how Christians can be some of the most vocal to complain about "how bad" our nation has become (at least to each other), yet they continue to vote with their dollars in favor of said behavior and positions.
Galatians 3:11-12 deals with living by and in faith. Paul wrote in Romans 1:16 that he was not "ashamed of the gospel". What did that mean? It meant that he was not only willing to speak up for Christ, but also to live out the Gospel before the world, regardless of the cost. When we as Christians support those who work and act against Christian values and principals- we are not living our faith. Indeed, such behavior indicates a form of being ashamed of the Gospel.
Will we, from time to time, find ourselves without alternatives - maybe so. But we can make a concerted effort to make all our decisions- fiscally, socially, and politically, based upon what brings honor and Glory to God. Every time we compromise our stated beliefs, we compromise Christ.
