Question: Dear Sir: I am a homosexual recently converted to Christianity. Can I overcome my homosexuality?
Answer: Yes, you can overcome your homosexuality. There seems to be a great controversy in the psychological and theological arenas whether a person is born a homosexual or not. One of the latest finding, according to a 1993 study at the University of Colorado and the Whitehead Institute of Biomedical Research in Cambridge, Massachusetts, suggests that there might a homosexual gene that predisposes a person toward homosexuality. Wow! Wouldn’t it be frightening to be controlled by chemicals in our bodies without the possibility of making cognitive decisions. On the other hand whether or not there is a homosexual gene is an issue for the Christian. Why not? Because the Bible does say that we are "born in sin and shapen in iniquity." There are "genes" that give us the tendency to evil things but they don’t make us do them.
Strictly speaking, one cannot be born a homosexual because it is a learned behavior, as are anger, fear, lust, prostitution, and even love. Certainly, however, one can be born with the predisposition toward homosexuality. A homosexual may be defined as a person who willingly engages in homosexual acts. In other words, tendencies, genetic make-up, or biological deficiencies, should not dictate to us. I am certain that if the genetic scientists checked even further, they might find a gene for every deviant behavior and attitude in the human race. Interestingly, the Times Magazine, July 1995 issue, presented a cover story entitled "Infidelity, It May Be in Our Genes." In the early 70s, a scientist supposedly discovered that serial killers have an extra "y" chromosome, which is believed to make them more violent. Recently researchers "discovered" that there is a gene for alcoholism. What next?
If we are dictated to by our genetic structure, hormonal flow, and impulses, we are no better than the animals. Many of us, heterosexuals and homosexuals, do act like them. Humans were made with a special gift called the power and freedom of choice. This freedom to choose, controlled by the Holy Spirit, should help us conquer the natural, sinful inclinations of our body cells and nerves. The brain cells are designed to function independently of all cells in the body. We ultimately decide who we are, what we want to be, and our destiny in life.
Our great challenge, then, is how we as Christians relate to homosexuals and lesbians. Often we expect them to practice heterosexuality instantly, forgetting that any behavioral change takes time. One can stop the habit instantly, but the desires and impulses may still remain.
Many pro-homosexuals say that Christian teachings are making some homosexuals feel unnecessarily frustrated, depressed, and even commit suicide. They say that God does not condemn homosexual practices. A "Christian" psychologist once said to me: "A loving God would never condemn a man if he wants another man to be his sexual partner. God is love and if a man is a Christian and loves, then it is from God." This is false.
It is not the Christian teaching that’s causing the problem. Rather, it is a misconception of what freedom from sin really means, and knowing what Grace and Mercy are all about. Yes, we have the freedom to be homosexual, but being free to choose does not remove the consequences of the abuse of that freedom. When God gives victory over sinful acts, sinful desires are not necessarily removed immediately.
How does one really become a homosexual or a lesbian? This is a difficult question because no one really knows all the answers. However, Dr. Tim LaHaye in his book, "The Unhappy Gays" presents what he thinks are the components for developing a homosexual predisposition. He cites: (1) permissive childhood training, (2) insecurity about sexual identity, (3) childhood sexual experiences, (4) early interest in sex. These components, according to Dr. LaHaye, lead to a predisposition toward homosexuality. However, the person is not yet a homosexual. It is also important to understand that it is possible that one may have a biological tendency toward homosexuality and still have a well-balanced happy family background. I believe that homosexuals are made, not born. Having the tendency does not make one a homosexual. Dr. LaHaye presents the formula for producing a homosexual: (1) having a predisposition toward homosexuality, (2) having the first homosexual experience, (3) pleasurable and positive homosexual thoughts, (4) more homosexual experiences, (5) more pleasurable thoughts. Then a person becomes a homosexual.
Initially, having the desire to make love with someone of the same sex does not in itself make one a homosexual or a lesbian. When these desires are cultivated and acted upon, then one becomes a homosexual. Therefore, it is important to make a definite choice not to cultivate the thoughts or act on our desires. We can choose to remain heterosexual. The desire may be very strong. So are the desires to smoke, use cocaine, have multiple sex partners, cheat on one’s spouse, steal, etc. We can choose, with the power of the Holy Spirit, to abstain from homosexual acts.
Dear recovering homosexual or lesbian, you may never be able to love someone of the opposite sex the way you want to, or the way others want you to, or the way God intended you to, but I believe that your spiritual direction is more important. In other words, the real test is not whether or not you love another individual of the opposite sex, but whether you love the Creator, the One who will recreate you in His time. As a result of your love for Him, you will develop a strategy to conquer the desire. Your friendships, associations, daily habits, etc. may need to be altered. Claim the promise of healing power (although you see no evidence of it). "Make no provision for the lust of the flesh" Romans 13:14.
Dear friend, read carefully my adaptation of several verses by the Apostle Paul from the Bible on his own struggles and his understanding of God’s mercy and grace: "At birth I was sold to homosexual tendencies on the auction block of sin. In time God touched me and showed me that my homosexual lifestyle was against Him. So I cried out to Him for deliverance and He delivered me. Now I no longer practice homosexuality; however, there is still something inside me that constantly tries to entice me to love another man sexually. My faith in Jesus is strong. Each day I submit to him, allowing His powers to neutralize the ever-present force of homosexuality. There is a war within my body. One force wants to recapture my body into the slavery of homosexuality but with my mind I want to be straight. I cry out again to God: "When will this all be over?" He says" "Trust Me, My Grace is sufficient for you." Now I know that although the battle will remain within, I focus on Christ who gives me peace of mind. I am no longer a homosexual. I am bought by Christ’s blood who will one day free me forever from this confused condition. Because of Jesus, I have a new experience, a foretaste of that freedom to come. (Adaptation from 1 Cor 6:9-11; 10:13; Rom 5:12,14; 7:14,15).
Next week I will share a special story of how one person got freedom from homosexuality. If you are interested in becoming a part of an organization to help individuals recover from the homosexual lifestyle then call 242 327 1980. To get books and other resources to help overcome the homosexual lifestyle write to Exodus International P.O. Box 77652m Seattle, Washington, 98177 or call them at 206 784 7799.
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