Being More Like Daniel

It is probably a sad commentary on the state of things when I can say nothing really surprises me anymore.  The world I grew up in, it was pretty simple: there were girls and there were boys.   When it comes to sexual identities now, I hear all kinds of options, some lists contain more than fifty definitions of sexual identity.  Our present culture allows individuals to establish their sexual identity based on how that person feels.  The current environment can be particularly confusing and stressful for teens who as we know from experience struggle with their identity. 

Now a new proposal from the American Medical Association (AMA) seems to muddy the waters even further.  The recommendation is that going forward “sex should be removed as a legal designation on the public part of birth certificates.” A person's sex designation at birth would still be submitted to the U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth for medical, public health, and statistical use only.  The actual birth certificate a person carries with them for life will contain no reference to their sex at birth.  In the words of the AMA, “Requiring it can lead to discrimination and unnecessary burden on individuals whose current gender identity does not align with their designation at birth, namely when they register for school or sports, adopt, get married, or request personal records.”

We should not be surprised by the AMA’s statement.  The medical field has been moving in this direction for decades.  In 2007 there was one pediatric gender clinic in America.  Today there are hundreds.  Today’s teens, without parental permission, can walk into any of these clinics and find testosterone therapy available.  We also need to be mindful that gender dysphoria has long been recognized as a condition that can afflict children. While historically the focus has been on gender dysphoria among young males, contemporary girls can face the same issue. 

Being a “good Lutheran,” I find myself asking the question “What does this mean?”  In the context of my personal relationship with God, it changes nothing.  I am still a “man of God” who has been called to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.  I am still to be a person of grace, compassion and mercy.  The context into which I am called is vastly different than even ten years ago.  In many ways I am like Daniel, who was forced to live in pagan Babylon.  Daniel did not allow that toxic culture to change him.  He worshiped God and practiced his faith as he always had.  Yes, he paid a price for that, but in the end those around him saw his testimony and came to respect him and, in some cases, even worshiped his God.

Let us be people of grace, compassion and mercy, being slow to speak and quick to listen.  All the time, our actions and demeanor should reflect the Savior who gave his life for all people, even those who are searching for their sexual identity.