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From A Closet of Sin to Hope In Christ

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"We gays can't help that we're born as we are" I’ve heard it said. We humans can't help that we're born into a fallen world any more that we can help the bullying environment of sin that’s forced onto us. Sin is like a spiritual cancer; that if not dealt with in time, will kill us. Yet in the same instance it’s so pleasing to indulge we don’t even know we’re dying.

All sin, no matter the form it's in, is addictive, and if we choose to submit to it, it becomes our addiction. And often we find ourselves submitting to it; sometimes purposefully, sometimes without even realizing it till it’s too late.

I will gladly admit that I'm addicted to it just as everyone else is, because I’m human. But because I’m human, because I’m made in the image of Christ, I don’t want to be addicted to sin. I want freedom; I want Christ.

That said, there is a contrast between the LORD’s followers and the followers of the world. The Christian's goal—no matter their struggle—is to overcome their cravings and addictions to sin through our Redeemer Jesus. Followers of the world have submitted to Satan’s lie that we don’t need to change, we can’t change, we’re golden the way we are and we don’t need a god to change us. That lie that we can’t change was killing me as I realized my own sinful tendencies were growing in the shadows.

One night as I talk with the LORD over my desire to forsake any tendency for attraction of the gay lifestyle, He pointed out something to me that ripped the desires right out from under me:

Submitting to my flesh in a manner contrary to His original perfect design was a lie. As He pulled me away from some spiritually dangerous gay practices once before, so He beckoned to me again that night. Don’t live a lie, live in Christ, was what He impressed on my heart that night; live purely and according to the Spirit for the flesh is contrary to the Spirit. Honor Me with your body for it is My temple. Wow…I never thought about it in those terms. I kind of had, but not that profoundly.

As a Christian, my goal (and I hope for my brothers and sisters in Christ too) is to give up the seductions of sin, overcome it through Christ and never indulge in it again so as to honor the temple--our bodies--that He made for Himself. As it is written (in summary): Our bodies are the Lord's temple; the body is for the Lord and the Lord for the body. 1Corinthians 6:19-20

Sin is sin no matter the package it comes in. If we sin outside the body or even if we sin inside the body, we profane His sanctuary and His name. Yes, by the power of continuous suggestion, we become hardwired to follow sin. But where we fail in trying to overcome sin ourselves, Jesus has the victory. For He overcame the world and all that is in it: “For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world (1John 2:15 NKJV).” And praise God that Jesus is God, our Lord and our Savior, for He is not of this world! All things are possible through Him, and if we are willing, if we are convicted to do all we can to honor the Lord with our temples, then that "simple" choice (though it's still hard as will and flesh war against each other) is all the Lord needs in us to be able to transform us into an image of His likeness.   To change us, He needs us to choose Him and that’s a beautiful start.

Our struggles with sin can be conquered if we're willing to let God help us, as only through Him can we overcome such a difficult obstacle like sin, even in the form of gay tendencies and submission. Be of hope my beloved, for while we do come to God as we are, we also must remember that if we take His name, we need to be willing to grow in His likeness of holiness and perfection. His Spirit will help—will transform us—so all we have to do is ask.  And beloved, you all will receive.  

May the Lord continue to bless you and bring you into a greater understanding of His word and deeper love of His character. Christ's love to you.  
If nasty comments are left, comments that seek to put down and insult, will be deleted. I won't put up with it. Be respectful if you're going to comment with an opposing view or belief.

Part of this is my personal testimony. The rest is encouragement not just to me but to the beloved in Christ. Be blessed. :rose:
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