It’s not only the bluebells that are coming out this Spring but the covert ‘Gay’s’ who are publishing their stories. The repetitive nature of these accounts does nothing to dull their poignancy. They are increasing in number in this latter phase of the Referendum campaign.

Emotions are running high as the abnormal sees its goal of creating the new normal approaching. Of course it is not simply same-sex marriage that is in view. That is only the next step towards the genderless society. In it your sexuality becomes your identity. It takes precedence over all other factors.

With the advent of two daddies or two mummies comes the child of confusion. This manifests in an increase in bisexual behaviour as schools encourage sexual exploration from an early age.

No consideration has been given to the Christian youngster striving to keep himself or herself pure. The struggle to maintain celibacy through the teenage years was never easy. On top of the problem of pimples and the need to be liked, there is now the temptation to “try before you buy” which has to be resisted.

The 20/30ies age group, who treat sex as recreation, present the Christian with a challenge equal to if not greater than that of the secret homosexual.

In today’s sex-sodden society those who haven’t yet ‘come out’ certainly do not have a monopoly of battling with temptation.

Setting aside the publicity stunts of the timing of ‘coming out’ to gain traction for the ‘yes’ vote there is a genuine relief to be gained from sharing these struggles with trusted friends. For the Christian this should be possible within the Church family where encouragement to stay pure can be given and good friendships formed where we are accountable to one another in a long-term community setting. These are all things the local church is best placed to provide.

What we are in danger of doing next Friday is legislating for sin! Historically laws have followed Biblical teachings. For example adultery rendered marriage voidable. If the Referendum is passed we will not simply have destroyed the meaning of marriage but included in it that which the Bible forbids.

Great play has been made on the ‘love’ which same-sex people have for each other. But a greater love is the tough love of the wounds of a friend (Proverbs Chapter 27 verse 6).

That love dares to speak its name and in the terms of 1 Corinthians Chapter 6 verses 9-11 warns adulterers and ‘Gays’ of judgement both now and to come.

God’s justice is tempered with mercy for those who turn to Him and we read that “you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God”.

Jesus did not die in vain. There will be those who hear the gospel and respond to the agape love of the Saviour.

St John Chapter 10 verse 27 “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.”