I am both amused and amazed at the present state of seeming confusion concerning the matter of choice. As I have given it serious consideration, I feel compelled to share my personal thoughts on the matter, knowing from the outset that there will be those who will totally agree while others will totally disagree with my views on this subject. And let me say from the very beginning that I have absolutely no problem with that. You have every right to your opinions on this matter as do I. My hope is that those who read these words will accept them with the grace in which I offer them. It is possible to agree to disagree, agreeably. Please keep that thought in mind as you read.

I am going to focus my thoughts this week on two hot-bed topics: human anatomy and human sexuality. I have written on these subjects in previous blogs, but due to the extreme amount of interest in these topics I feel that it would prove helpful to revisit them once again.

First, let’s focus our attention on human anatomy. Anatomy is the study of body structure, while physiology is the study of the individual organs and systems that make up the body. For the purpose of this blog we will give consideration to the overall body structure without looking at the organs and systems that make up the body.

In several states it is now possible for parents to request a non-binary birth certificate for their new-born child. The term non-binary includes any person who does not identify with a gender that falls within the traditional male/female or man/woman category. The parents are undoubtedly thinking ahead to a future time when their child can determine what sex they choose to be. Their biological/physical structure does not dictate that they will necessarily grow up to choose the sex assigned to them at birth by their Creator. Rather, the created (child) can choose to disregard their biological structure that the Creator (God) gave them.

This is then exacerbated by the idea of some that they are able to choose to change their biological identity whenever the desire should strike. Therefore, if an individual should wake up one morning and “feel” feminine, even though they were born biologically masculine, then the choice can be made to identify as female. Pay no attention to their biological structure – they are what they “feel” themselves to be.

The Bible teaches that God created humankind, and assigned two, and only two, sexes: male and female. Each individual is assigned one or the other at the moment of conception, and that will be their biological identification for life. Some may choose to go through the process of a sex-change operation, but the fact remains that they were born one or the other, male or female. Biological selection is made by God, and should not be thought of as in any way transferrable or transient.

If one chooses to identify as female even though he was born male, then that is a personal choice, not a biological reality. I will respect anyone’s right to make such choices, and I would hope that those who do will give me the same respect for disagreeing with your choices based on your personal preferences.

Second, let’s think about human sexuality. This subject is related to that just discussed but has far-reaching ramifications that go beyond the idea of biological structure. There are those who acknowledge their biological structure as either male or female, but who do not feel attracted to someone of the opposite sex. This leads to gay and lesbian relationships in which men are attracted to men and women to women.

The Bible speaks to this matter in very specific language. Read these words slowly and carefully:

“For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.”

Romans 1:26-27

There are a few points of importance that need to be made from this text. First, Paul states that the individuals to whom he is referring made a personal choice based on their personal preference. Note the words “exchanged” and “leaving”. Women exchanged their natural-born biological sex assigned to them at birth for that which is against nature. Men left the natural relations that God had ordered from the beginning of humanity for an unnatural relation based on personal preference. The wording of this passage would lead us to believe that these were choices, not based on their biological structure, but on their preferential choice.

Another extremely important phrase in this text is this: “For this reason God gave them up to vile passions.” We cannot possibly overemphasize the importance of this statement. To understand the gravity of this assertion we need to do a little research to determine the reason mentioned here. To do that we need to go back a few verses in Romans 1:

“Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.”

Romans 1:24-25 (emphasis added)

I have highlighted a key phrase that helps us understand the seriousness of this passage. Those who embrace ideas about human biological structure and human sexuality roles have exchanged the truth of God. The truth of God is simple: God created male and female. He intended for a man and a woman to be united in a permanent marital relationship that would end only in death. That was, and is, the truth of God’s word.

But please note carefully that God will honor a person’s choice to exchange His truth for the lies of the world. He will simply give them over to their own personal preferences. The choice is left up to the individual.

I have had many conversations with men who have embraced the gay lifestyle. As far as I know none of them have identified me as a homophobe or a hate monger. As a matter of fact, I have several very close friends who are living this lifestyle. I have shared with them, as best I can, what the Bible teaches on the subject. They have listened, and they have respectfully rejected the truths from God’s word. I trust that our friendships will continue, and that I might continue to share with them the truths of Scripture.

It is not my assigned task to convert or change anyone, but to love everyone God brings into my circle of influence, sharing with them the life-changing Gospel of Jesus Christ. Pray for me that this little light of mine will continue to shine, dispelling darkness with the Light of His love and grace.