Dylan Mulvaney and Budweiser have been in the headlines recently. You may have noticed.
However, for those of you who missed it, Dylan is a man who thinks he is a woman. He is a Tik Tok influencer with a huge following. Last week, Budweiser decided it would be a great idea to make a digital ad with Dylan to promote Budweiser. A huge backlash erupted. Since then, Budweiser has been in full damage control mode. That’s where we are today.
Amidst all the uproar, Dylan made a fascinating statement. He said, “God never makes mistakes.”
I couldn’t agree more. Dylan and I agree on that one point.
God never says, “Oops!” Unfortunately, we as humans often do.
But what Dylan clearly meant is, God created him schizophrenic; God created him a man who believes he is a woman. Unlike Dylan, I don’t blame God for that. I blame Adam & Eve, and the Serpent.
Furthermore, Dylan is a science denier. Science says Dylan is a man. Dylan’s mind tells him he is a woman. The problem is not with his biology. That’s settled science. The problem is in his head. Those are facts, not judgements.
I’m sure a lot of trans activists will call me a hater because I believe science and the Bible. They are often like 3-year-olds who throw a temper tantrum when they don’t get their way. They will vomit their anger all over me and call me names because they are incapable of rationally justifying their ideology based on science or the Bible. Watch and see if I am right. It should be interesting.
But Dylan is broken. It seems pretty clear that he knows it. He’s a lost soul who needs our prayers and compassion, not our condemnation.
Let me ask you, if a blind man steps on your toe does it hurt? But are you offended? Of course not, unless you’re a complete jerk. Most of us, after our eyes stop watering, will ask how we can help. Dylan is blind. Never forget that.
So how do we respond as followers of Jesus to Dylan and Budweiser?
I believe we should start with this principle:
never compromise TRUTH, and never compromise LOVE.
State what is true, but don’t berate Dylan. He’s horribly broken. Pray for him. Above all else, he needs our prayers. If you feel like you have to comment online, instead of calling him a name, acknowledge his deep hurt, then offer the hope of Jesus. He may not respond, but someone else may.
Jesus modeled what this looks like in his interaction with the woman caught in adultery in John chapter 8. He never said, “That’s okay. I understand.” Rather, he said, “I do not condemn you. Go. From now on sin no more.” He clearly acknowledged she had blown it, but he did not condemn her. He extended forgiveness. He offered a path forward. We should do the same with Dylan and the Dylans in our lives. Don’t enable the goofy thinking. Don’t downplay the bad behavior. But don’t condemn either. Instead, love as Jesus loved. Extend compassion. Offer forgiveness.
I remember chatting one day with a very successful man who had blown it in his marriage. For a couple minutes he went on about what a mess he had made. I stopped him and said, “You really have blown it. Big time. But there’s hope….” I acknowledged the truth, but I didn’t beat him up for it. Then I immediately gave him hope and explained how to start taking steps in the right direction. Six months later our paths crossed again. He was beaming from ear to ear. He was a changed man.
Sinners don’t need our condemnation. They need forgiveness. They need to know how to escape from the sin that imprisons them. Like a blind man, they need our help.
On the other hand, we have Budweiser. Budweiser is not a person. Budweiser is a powerful soulless corporation whose primary purpose is to make money for its investors.
Hold Budweiser accountable.
If you drink beer, never drink Budweiser again. If you have friends who drink beer (most of us do), encourage them to drink something other than Budweiser. If you own Budweiser stock, sell it today! If you have a 401(k) or 403(b), contact your administrator to find out if Budweiser is part of the investment portfolio. If so, insist they require the investment firm to divest of all Budweiser stock. Don’t take “No” for an answer. Ask your co-workers to go with you. There is power in numbers. Be respectful but be firm. Hold Budweiser accountable.
Jesus always showed compassion to lost sheep, but he was never afraid to speak truth—especially to power. Jesus never compromised truth, and he never compromised love. Be more like Jesus!
And never forget, God is the issue—in every issue.
Copyright © Brad Bright 2023. All rights reserved.
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