Washington County Commissioner Forrest Boreing attributed the early Tuesday morning failure of a resolution against same-sex marriage to the ETSU factor, which he said influenced the vote. “It was split by (East Tennessee State University),” Boreing said after the 7-hour meeting. “There are so many people from that school that showed up tonight. Most of the colleges do have more liberal attitudes, but that makes for good discussions.”
The 12-11 vote to approve the resolution — failed because supporters needed 13 to capture a majority of the 25-seat County Commission — came nearly 6.5 hours into the meeting, after a nearly hour-long discussion by commissioners on a measure to drop the resolution from the agenda and more than three hours of public comments.
Hundreds packed five courtrooms of the George Jaynes Justice Center and spilled out into upstairs and downstairs foyers, watching the 57 public speakers and the Commission’s debate on projection televisions specially wired for the occasion.
What caught my attention in Forest Boreing’s statement was “The ETSU factor” and “more liberal attitudes.” East Tennessee is a very conservative area, but what caused this defeat? Certainly, I do not know all the facts, but why were Boreing’s comments not about the “The Christian factor” and “more biblical attitudes.” I do not expect people who are unbelievers to be on the side of biblical righteousness. I also know that America is fast removing itself from its moral fiber of days gone by.
It is interesting to me that all the counties around us have passed a resolution against same-sex marriage. Nevertheless, this loss in our county did not happen overnight. While falsehood rages, truth does not need to flee. If there was ever a day when the people of God need to open their mouths, their home, and their lives for the gospel, it is today! The ETSU factor and liberal thinking should be eclipsed because believers are being obedient to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). We are where we are in this county, in our state and in our country because Christians are too silent. Last night’s vote should not even have had to happen. We have the Truth, but we must not keep it to ourselves. I am not upset with the “ETSU, liberal crowd” at all. My heart goes out to them, and I want to see them as Christ sees them (Matthew 9:36).
One day, if we do not become intentionally obedient to Christ’s call, we will wake up and find out that unrighteousness has swept over us in our land. So, if you are bothered in any way by last night’s defeat, you won’t sit and stew or mumble and grumble. You will become soul-conscious and a gospel voice for Christ. You will attend your church’s soul winning outreaches. You will view your home, Sunday School class, job, grocery shopping, recreation, and all of life as a gospel opportunity. The gospel sets men free from sin, death, and hell. The gospel changes everything!
Matthew 9:36-38 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
News taken from: http://www.johnsoncitypress.com/News/2016/02/22/Public-comments-run-late-during-County-Commission-s-same-sex-marriage-debate.html?ci=featured&lp=1&ti=
From A Pastor's Heart 
Amen. A person who does not know Christ as their personal savior is not motivated to stop their sinful ways. It is a daily battle for us. How much harder it is for someone who doesn’t know the promise of salvation.