To Boycott or Not to Boycott

I realize that I am treading on dangerous ground. There are many opinions on the recent Target bathroom debacle and even Christians are divided over whether or not to boycott the store. As I’ve struggled through this issue, I’ve tried to look at it from different angles, apply biblical principles, and weigh the opinions of others with an open mind. This has not been an easy decision. Target is like a home away from home for my family; we shop there all the time. Nevertheless, we decided to boycott Target—here’s why.

Are We Really Having This Conversation?

In principle this issue is a no-brainer. The fact that we even need to have these conversations shows the depth of depravity into which our country has fallen. This nation has completely lost its way and can no longer distinguish between right and wrong. It isn’t a matter of discrimination; it’s simply a matter of safety and plain old common sense. If you have boy parts, you use the men’s room; if you have girl parts, use the ladies room. It’s really not that hard. Those who are confused about this need compassionate help and godly council, not free access to bathrooms. Implementing policies like this is a recipe for disaster. Gender is determined by your biology, not by how you feel. I may truly feel like a duck-billed platypus, and insist on it, but that doesn’t make me a platypus. My feelings on the matter do not change the reality of my biology. More importantly, our gender is ultimately determined by our Creator.

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well,” Psalm 139:13-14.

For someone to say they feel like the opposite gender is actually rebellion against their Creator. It is sinful at the most fundamental level, because they are placing their finite feelings and desires above the infinite God who made them in His image. They are essentially telling God He made a mistake.

Objections

Some say you cannot legislate morality. I would say it depends on what you mean by legislating morality. If by that, you mean changing hearts and behaviors, then no, you cannot legislate morality. Only the gospel can change hearts, however, we can limit evil and perversion by enacting laws that prohibit and punish crimes. A harsh punishment may make someone think twice before committing a crime. Do people break the law anyway? Yes, all the time, but if we didn’t have moral laws, we would have anarchy. So in that sense we can legislate morality. Should we eliminate speed limit laws just because people break them every day? Should we remove laws regarding theft or murder just because there are thieves and murderers who disregard them? Of course not! So the logic that says sexual predators are going to do what they do whether or not bathrooms laws exist, simply doesn’t work. Just because someone may break the law is no reason to open up the floodgates.

God gave us His moral code; the Ten Commandments, to define what sin is and restrict its pervasive nature; to put boundaries around our wickedness and show His holy character. Knowing full well that people would break His law is no reason to do away with it. The problem with our country is that people don’t believe in objective moral standards anymore, and that is why we are seeing this insanity over bathrooms. If there’s no objective standard then everything becomes a matter of personal preference. Everyone can do what is right in their own eyes.

Some may argue that if we boycott every business we disagree with we won’t have anywhere left to shop. Believe me; I feel the weight of this argument. However, I think this is a different issue. In light of the controversy in North Carolina and Mississippi, Target has overtly made a policy to counter these rulings; a policy that directly affects the safety of our families. Why should the gender confusion of less than 1% of the population be imposed on the rest of the public. Do we really want to support a company that thinks it’s a good idea for adult men to share the same bathroom as little girls? There’s also something called guilt by association. 1 Tim. 5:22 and 2 John 11 warn against partaking in the sins of others. This is something we need to prayerfully consider.

Some may argue that the Bible says nothing about boycotting stores. Right, but the Bible doesn’t tell us not to boycott either. Since the Bible doesn’t contain speed limit laws, does that mean we should remove them?

Some may say that boycotts don’t really work, yet the recent outrage over this same type of policy in North Carolina did make a difference. Because of the outcry over the Charlotte City Council's ordinance, and because of Governor Pat McCrory’s courage, a ridiculous ruling was overturned. Perhaps Target will see a large portion of their customers taking their resources elsewhere and change their policy. If people, especially Christians, voice their concerns with kindness and respect, God may use it to reach people with the truth. Maybe the boycott won’t change Target’s policy. Maybe nothing will happen, but at least the truth will be heard.

Conclusion

Make no mistake, we are in a war of ideas, and those in favor of these bathroom policies want to silence all opposition. They may preach tolerance, but they use a double standard. If you don’t embrace their position wholeheartedly, you are immediately labeled a bigot and accused of hatred. No, we don’t actually hate people, we just disagree with them. There’s a difference.

As Christians, we must be salt and light, and therefore, we must stand up for decency, morality, and biblical principles. God created us male and female and that distinction is a good thing. He has clearly defined the roles and purposes for each gender in Scripture, so blurring this distinction is an affront to our Maker. We must stand up and shine the light of the gospel into a very dark and confused world. If we remain silent, who will sound the clarion call of truth?  That is why we are speaking out on this issue.