Is “Gay” Forever?
Our culture is one where people of all ages are bombarded with images and propaganda that openly promotes that which is unholy. LGBTQ themes are included in many, if not most TV shows, movies, and oftentimes commercials. And the message there, and everywhere else people gather is, “If you’re ‘gay,’ then that is who you are and it cannot ever be changed.”
I agree with a small portion of this statement, but not in the way you might be thinking. It isn’t your identity, but It is true that you are probably not going to use behavior modification to get away from these unnatural desires. However, there is a God in heaven who can and will change anyone who seeks after Him.
I watch on social media the large numbers of people who are repeatedly telling believers in Christ that if they “were gay,” then they still are. Nevermind the testimonies of Jesus saving and changing the hearts and minds of those who have turned to Him.
But “no”, they say! “Impossible! Gay is forever.”
Paul debunked this myth before it got started in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. He wrote a letter to the Corinthian church and some of them had been involved in homosexuality. We know this, because he said it in this passage. But he transitioned in verse 11 to say, “Such were some of you.” In other words, the early church had some folks who had pursued romantic and sexual relationships with those of the same sex, yet Jesus had changed them. The word used is “were,” not “are.”
This should encourage those who are wanting freedom from the unnatural affections of same sex romantic and sexual relationships. It encouraged me over a decade ago when I saw in my Bible that “gay” absolutely is not forever. After all, if people can repent of drunkenness, adultery, and stealing, then why would folks not be able to repent of same sex desires? It is illogical that they wouldn’t be able to.
Now some will argue about this. “But it is who I am and it is unchangeable.” Then how do you explain my life? Jesus, because of His extravagant grace and undeserved but generous mercy snatched me out of the depths of hell and saved me. If He did this for me, (and He did), then He can do the same for you. My current life is far superior to my former one. I have peace, and the redemption Jesus offers means He has been so gracious and generous to me, among other things.
But the real issue isn’t just the practice of homosexuality. You do need freedom, but that is only part of it. What really needs to happen is for you to pursue Jesus with your whole heart. He wants all of you, not just the part that deals with temptations around this. He wants your whole heart, your mind, your will, your emotions, and even your body. He wants you to “take up your cross and follow Him,” as Scripture says in Luke’s gospel.
All meaningful change in a person’s life begins and continues at the cross of Jesus Christ. You cannot will yourself into obedience. You cannot get to holiness through behavior modification. What it takes is a new heart. And Jesus is in the new heart-giving business.
The Bible says, “I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 36:26). To be free from the bondage of homosexual practice, you need to go to the cross, friend. There is no other way. Believe me, I tried praying it away, trying to force it away, going to counselors to get rid of it, talking with friends, and every other method. Jesus is not only the best way, He’s the only way, and He will free you from all sin, not just this one.
How much longer are you going to go on in this sin? When will you decide you’ve had enough? When will you lay your lack of peace, inner turmoil, and misery down at the cross? Jesus once asked, “What good is it if you gain the whole world, yet lose your soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul” (Mark 8:36-37)?
If you’re ready for freedom, reach out to your faithful local pastor who you trust to help you out. The 520 Offer is also ready to assist you if you believe that would be of benefit. Reach out using our Contact page, or you can email us at contact@the520offer.com.