Well, if you’ve been online recently, you know what’s happening: Phil Robertson, patriarch of the Duck Dynasty clan, released his personal feelings in an interview with GQ, and then his sponsoring television network, A&E, suspended him for his views, noting that they aren’t reflective of their views. There have been a HOST of articles, tweets, Facebook rants, etc. about all of this, and while I considered not weighing in, I figured I might. Why? Because I don’t watch the show. My first experience with it was in El Salvador of all places when it came on the television dubbed over in spanish. I’m not a hunter, a fisher, or outdoorsy by any sense, so it’s just not my cup of tea. That being said, there are a few things right, and a few things wrong, with all of this fuss about Phil.

So what’s right with it.

1: Standing up for the truth, regardless of consequences. Throughout the New Testament, we are urged to stand fast, be immovable, and contend for the faith (Col.1:23, 1 Cor. 15:58, Jude 3). Peter admonishes us all in this way, “But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters.Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter” (1 Peter 4:15-16).

Phil was right in stating homosexuality as a sin, but he was equally as right to reference other sins that hold the same weight–and to point out that we are not the judge, we are the mouthpieces. As someone who has successfully built his empire if you will, he’s not stupid by any stretch. That being said, he probably knew exactly where these thoughts would land him, yet he still said them. That’s an important lesson for all people professing Christ’s name. Stand for Him and the things He stands for, otherwise He will claim to never have known you (Matt. 7:21-23).

2: Being evangelistic at heart. Recognizing that the world is lost is a crucial part of being a Christian. If you don’t look around you and see a lost and dying world, chances are, you aren’t doing anything to save them. In the interview, Phil stated that it is his job to “give ’em the good news about Jesus — whether they’re homosexuals, drunks, or terrorists”. That’s a powerful mindset to have, and one that all Christians should possess. It isn’t our job to deem who is worthy of the gospel and who isn’t – Christ did that on calvary. And since He deemed me worthy, and deemed you worthy, He deemed every other sinner worthy, too (Rom. 3:23). Go preach Jesus to them!

3: America needs to repent. The Proverbial writer said it best when he said, “Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people.” (Prov. 14:34). America, as a whole, has turned away from God. It isn’t the sin of homosexuality that has done it — it started well before that trend came on the scene. Whether it’s adultery, fathers and mothers not living up to their heavenly-decreed role, or abortion (OR a HOST of others!), America has fallen far from the God-fearing nation she set out to be. And for that, we must repent. We must turn back to the One who gives us freedom and liberty (Gal.5:1).

Now, that being said, what’s wrong with the Dynasty Discussion?

1: Using crude speech. If you’re telling the truth, but you’re doing it in a way that isn’t wholesome or loving, you’re doing it wrong. Colossians 4:6 says, “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” Unless we are speaking as Christ would have, sharing His principles will be ineffective. And so, yes, speaking without love is wrong (though I don’t think Mr. Robertson was unloving at all) according to Ephesians 4:15. And, equally as wrong, would be speaking the truth with crude words according to Ephesians 5:4. I don’t plan to quote Mr. Robertson on his vulgar reasoning behind why homosexuality doesn’t make logical sense, because I don’t think it’s fitting. And, if he would have chosen wiser words, I think his message might have had a greater impact.

2: Bashing anyone. This one’s pointed at us, the innocent social media user. I have seen countless posts bashing A&E, calling out the “intolerant” and ones using hateful words indicative of a bitter heart. To quote James, “Brethren, these things ought not to be so!” If we, as Christians, are trying to get the message out about sin, guess what people are going to do (and rightfully so!) if we do so in a mean way? Throw the sin back in our faces! And that’s exactly what it is. The sin of homosexuality is no more unwholesome than the sins of the tongue and heart. When we are quick to lash out, quick to speak out, and quick to be offended for someone we’ve never met, maybe our hearts aren’t humble or compassionate. This is definitely something I’ve wrestled with for 24 hours. Which is why I sincerely hope that if you’re reading this, you understand that my tone is not harsh and my heart is not bitter, nor is it going to lash out at the next person who supports an A&E show! Which brings me to my next point….

3: Being hypocritical. This one may be pointed at everyone – Phil, those condoning homosexuality, and Christians. First, Phil: Calling out one sin while openly promoting another (Duck Dynasty wines anyone?) is not okay. Second, those condoning homosexuality: Forcing tolerance down everyone’s throats and then suspending someone whose views differ from yours? Not okay. Thirdly, Christians: Actively boycotting one network because they suspended someone you agree with while actively supporting another network that openly promotes homosexuality, adultery, fornication, drunkenness, etc, that’s not okay. We ALL need to take a closer look in the mirror, and honor Jesus’ teachings when He said, “Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother’s eye.”

Let us all be careful to remove all of our own “planks”. I know I have plenty, that’s for sure. Yes, there are sins out there. Yes, there will always be. Yes, we should actively resolve to rid the world of sins and point them to heaven. But first and foremost, we must remove the sin from our own lives, especially before being so quick to point it out in others’ lives.