Is it wrong for a Christian to be aligned with a company who employs openly gay individuals?

by Pastor Jerry Marcellino
A: It all depends onwhat you mean by “aligned”. Taking your question at its most basic level, theanswer is No. Why? Because the Bible is very clear about what a Christian’srelationship should be with those who live in a sexually immoral lifestyle: “I wrote to you in my letternot to associate with sexually immoral people -- not at all meaning thesexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters,since then you would need to go out of the world. But now I am writing to younot to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty ofsexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler-- not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judgingoutsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judgesthose outside. ‘Purge the evil person from among you’” (1 Corinthians 5:9-13).Paul is saying that Christians should never eat or associate with professingChristians (“anyone who bears the name of brother”) who live in sexualimmorality (fornicators, adulterers, and homosexuals, etc.), while clearlystating this does NOT apply to “the sexually immoral of this world.”
Therefore, if someone does not profess faith inChrist and is living a sexually immoral lifestyle (fornicator, adulterer,homosexual, etc.), the Christian is to be loving, compassionate and mercifultoward them (as with all unbelievers). The goal is to reflect God’s holiness and offer the gospel freely thatthey might repent and trust Christ (1 Corinthians 9:19-23). The Apostle and hisnew converts at Corinth took this God-honoring approach toward the sexuallyimmoral of their city (not the moralistic, gospel-less approach many professingChristians take today) and the outcome is related to us in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11:“…do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Donot be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers,nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards,nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were someof you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in thename of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians6:9-11). Oh, there is hope and forgiveness from God through our Lord JesusChrist for every sinner (including the sexually immoral person) who repents ofhis sin and turns by faith to trust Christ for his eternal salvation! Thank youfor your question… For great encouragement, please follow this link:  http://vimeo.com/32400978
Remember: This column is anopportunity to anonymously ask a local pastor any Biblical, theological,practical or counseling question you desire. He will answer your question froma Biblical Worldview. His aim is to strengthen and encourage God’s people andto give clear answers to questions from genuine seekers. So, please feel freeto send your questions to
Pastor Jerry Marcellino, Audubon Drive Bible Church, POBox 8055, Laurel, MS 39441-8000