Redefining Sexuality

“So God created man in his image,

in the image of God he created him;

male and female he created them.”

(Genesis 1:27)

As a child of God I still believe the above is the way God created humanity.  There are men and there are women.  I am also aware that my perspective is viewed as “old fashion” and out of step by many in today’s world.  I try hard to accept that and not be intolerant.  I even have contact on regular basis with people who are gays and lesbians, some I even consider friends.  I really strive to love and accept people where they are at.  I sincerely believe that is what Jesus calls us to do.  I have grown comfortable with being uncomfortable, but now that comfort level is being challenged again.

The cover article in the most recent issue of Time Magazine focuses on how a new generation is changing the way we view genders.  Millennials seem to be at the forefront in the change. According to Time, “A growing number of young people are moving beyond the idea that we live in a world where sexuality and gender come in only two forms.”  You might think be thinking, sure there is gay, and lesbian and transgender, etc. but it is more complicated than that.  According to time article, Facebook now has sixty options for user’s gender.  That includes options like, queer, bisexual and non-binary.  If the article is correct, 20% of millennials identify as something other than strictly straight or cisgender (someone who identifies with the sex they were assigned at birth).  Now granted, the survey might be biased since it was done the LGBTQ advocacy organization GLAAD, but even if it is half that at 10%, we are dealing with a good segment of society.  According the same survey, 7% of baby boomers also claim a sexual orientation that is outside what I consider traditional.

As I tried to process this new information three thoughts come to mind.  First off: None of this changes who I am.  My belief is still that God created two distinct sexes, male and female.  I also believe marriage is the sacred estate involving one man and one woman.  God promises to bless such unions.  Secondly: The search for identity is nothing new for teens and young adults.  In the past the quest to discover “who I am” focused on personality, talents and self-image.  In our diverse culture where young people are exposed to so many different messages it is to be expected that some might to try to define their sexual identity as well.  The final reality is that teens and young adults often do not have the resources to always make wise choices.  Experts tell us that the brain is not fully developed until the mid-twenties.  As a result young people are not always able to process their feelings and emotions.  In light of that, it is easy to see how even their sexual identity might be called into question.  Part of that search for identity might mean incorporating what they have learned in church with what the world is saying. 

Where does all this leave us?  First off, I think we need to continue to model God’s plan in our own personal lives.  That means practicing our own sexuality in a wholesome and God-pleasing manner.  That includes the sanctity of marriage.  I believe it also challenges us to be available to listen to and mentor young people as they struggle with contemporary issues like their own sexual identity.  Don’t jump to conclusions and don’t preach.  Lastly, we need to continue to be people who practice grace.  It is a challenge to love people where they are at, but I think that is what Jesus calls us to do.  We are called to love others unconditionally, even if we do not agree with them, or the lifestyle they chose.