Joshua 24:15 And if it seems evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Younger people in our generation have to deal with issues that persons in years gone by never dreamed of, nor ever had to contend with. Indeed, it is a true statement that our world today is being plagued on an unprecedented scale, with problems that would make the people of Sodom and Gomorrah look like saints.
There are sensitive issues coming to the forefront of our conversations and deliberations, in high and low places, that persons might much prefer to avoid. But because those issues have now entered the church, and are quickly becoming so deeply entrenched, the trumpet will have to be given a certain sound.
In the presentation of truth, political correctness, or social biases and preferences, and popular majority opinions, should never be allowed to taint, alter, or pervert the written word, for God has not called us to popularity, but rather to faithfulness.
When the servants of God are sent to deliver a very unpopular message, they are to pray and ask God for grace to do so without watering it down, for if they are found diluting the truth because of social pressures, the blood of those souls who are lost as a result would be upon their shoulders.
In other words, watering down the truth carries the heftiest price and the stiffest penalties, when done to appease the clamors of the popular majority.
While it is true, that when dealing with any sensitive issue great care must be taken, the servants of God must at the same time be very careful not to dilute His word, for fear of backlash, or economic boycott and persecution, as is so often the case whenever a person or individuals may stand up for right.
Issues pertaining to gender identity is one of those hot button issues that almost always breeds anger, and animosity when it is being discussed by persons with opposing views. There is no need to be riled up or get all out of whack because of differing opinions on the matter, for personal opinions do not trump a single sacred truth.
Thus, any disagreement on such matters should be taken to God in prayer, whilst at the same time we are careful to observe the principle of free choice as is stated in our first passage.
As Joshua then viewed and observed the tendency of the Hebrews to go after false gods, The Spirit of God moved upon him to pen the words, protecting a person’s right to choose.
The genius of Christianity is that it allows persons of different persuasions to live on the same street, and in our interactions with our fellowmen persons are to keep in mind that it is God who has granted free choice, with consequences, to all of earth’s peoples, and this freedom must not be taken away, even if a person may be at the opposite end of the spectrum in, their beliefs, philosophies and convictions.
Muslims, Buddhists, satanists and Christians are all granted the freedom of choice by God, and because of this, they can, and should be allowed to converge in the same zip-code, if they so choose. The same is true of adult persons who might choose a different path as it pertains to gender issues.
Such persons have been granted God-given freedom that must be respected. Differences of opinions are not to lead to coercion of one’s conscience, for if we were to take that route it would inevitably lead us to Daniel chapter 3 and Revelation chapter thirteen.
Therefore, the principle of “Live and let live” is to be a guiding rule, when dealing with conflicting views. In other words, just like Elijah laid before the people their choice between Baal and the true God, we too are to acknowledge the freedom of choice that God has given to each person. Let’s read:
1st Kings 18:21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.
Deuteronomy 11: 26 Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse;
27 A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you this day.
28 And a curse if ye won’t obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known.
The curse here mentioned is not to be understood as something that God does to a person, in revenge for their not following the good and right. The curse is in the evil deed, just as the devil is in the details, so that the blessing or the curse is the natural result of either course of action.
For instance, if Buddhists were to eat healthily, and exercise regularly they will reap the natural benefits thereof, even if they may have utterly rejected Jesus as Lord and Savior. And atheists, who unwittingly do follow the laws of health, by refraining from eating forbidden foods, will be at lower risk for cancers, in the overwhelming majority of cases.
And companies, corporations, and businesses which return a faithful tithe are blessed indigenously, even if they have no affiliations with The Lord Jesus.
The blessings, or the curses are integrated with the choices a person makes, and is not so much God doing this or that in response to our choices, even though He is known to directly bless those persons who are in a covenant relation with Him.
That’s because there are natural consequences for choosing to do either wrong or right, and in many cases, God simply allows the laws of sowing, and reaping to run their natural course. Thus, whatever may be a person’s choice on gender issues, let it be known that a person’s conscience on all such matters is to be left free to choose.
That said, there are satellite issues springing from a discussion of gender issues, for those parents, who still have children under their roof, will have to take a stand either this way or that, because until the son or daughter comes to the age of accountability, and reason, the parents are responsible for whatsoever goes on under their roof.
And churches, and religious institutions would also have to take a stand either this way or that, sooner or later, for there will be no middle ground by which we would be able to avoid making our conviction on such matters clear. Already, many athletes are facing a conundrum, by being urged against their will to wear rainbow-pride uniforms and arm bands.
Thus, in cases where the issue has come home to a family, definitive decisions, and choices on the path moving forward would have to be made by parents or guardians who have jurisdiction over the children under their care.
This is not a mere suggestion, it is the unadulterated word of God in such matters, because parents are to be responsible for their kids, until the children reach the age of accountability.
And, if there is a father in the home, he is the first person called to account by God, in answering for the actions, and decisions of not only his children, but also of his wife, in some instances.
When Adam and Eve sinned, God called Adam first, then Eve, and last of all satan, in that specific order, because as far as God is concerned, the serpent was the least in the chain of command, as stipulated in Genesis chapter one.
In other words, God gave our first parents dominion over the earth, and as such, He must call them to account first. Let’s read:
Genesis 3:9 And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?
11 And he said, Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou should not eat?
13 And the Lord God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.
14 And the Lord God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life.
Similarly, when Abraham was urged on to have that rendezvous with Hagar, God called Abraham first to account. In fact, in that episode, God did not even call Sarah, even though it was at her suggestion that Abraham did what he did.
Therefore, when dealing with gender issues under our roofs, parents would have to take the lead by stating clearly what is God’s revealed will on such matters.
And even though it is now a sensitive topic that is fraught with potential differences of opinion, yet, the parents in the home will have to take the lead in establishing the relevant parameters.
The word prudent means “being clever and careful in action and judgment” as we must be with those issues of gender that are knocking at our doors.
We probably would not have had to do any Bible study on these matters, were it not for the fact that more and more families, and churches are being affected, one way or the next, by the accelerated expansion of philosophical teachings and the use of indoctrination on these issues.
Therefore, we have no choice but to stake out the Biblical positions clearly, from the word of God, and yet at the same time, we must be prudent in doing so. Thus three questions would be addressed, so as to bring clarity to certain issues in question and we will let God’s word speak for itself.
Question [1]: If your child comes home from school, and because of some philosophical indoctrination he or she was given, requires a name change or may request gender affirming therapy, what should godly parents do, and should they comply?
Question [2]: Should Christian parents be attendees of a transgender/gay marriage, if one of their kids decides to marry someone of a similar persuasion, or should the parents desist?
Question [3]: If the laws of a particular state offer the freedom of choice to underage children on gender issues, should Godly parents comply with Caesar’s law, or are they to affirm an “It is written” in their households, even if there are penalties or adverse consequences including losing custody of a child?
Believe it or not, these are just a few of the grim or urgent predicaments some families would have to confront now, and because of this, the word of God will outline to us the right and the prudent thing to do in any such circumstance.
Let’s begin with question [1] If a child comes home from school, and because of some philosophical indoctrination he or she was given, requires a name change, or may request gender affirming therapy, what should Christian parents do, and should they comply?
Parents are free to do whatsoever they choose, with natural consequences, but if they desire to follow “It is written” they would have to direct their kids, and explain to them as best they could what the word of God says about the issue. Sadly, there are situations, now obtaining in our world that not even the many prophets of old could have seen coming.
Fathers will have to do some mansplaining, as they endeavor to teach their kids what the Bible says. Ever so gently, and with wisdom born of God, the parents will need to explain the following passages of scripture, which set the record straight in simple format. Let’s read:
Genesis 1: 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.
Genesis 2: 21 And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;
22 And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.
23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
Then the parents may have to address the issue of contrary feelings that the child in question may be experiencing. Fathers and mothers would have to explain in real time, that most of our feelings, as human beings, are contrary to the word of God.
It’s not just on gender issues, for it applies to every facet of our existence. God does not condemn any person for experiencing contrary feelings, for if this were the case, none of us would be saved.
Psalms 58:3 The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.
Psalms 51:1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight that You might be justified when You speak, and be clear when thou judge.
5 Behold, I was shaped in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
When the Calypsonian Shadow sings about “Feeling the feelings” he is referring to contrary feelings he is experiencing, which come down upon him in heavy torrents, and which also plague the unrighteous, the righteous, and even those sitting on the fence. Every human being that has ever lived has had to confront a plethora of contrary feelings.
From Mrs. Potiphar, to David, from Solomon to the father of the faithful, even Abraham, from the men of Sodom, to the people of Nineveh, and every one of the disciples without exception.
All have had to deal with, and confront the contrary feelings, but never should these feelings drive us to manipulate God’s word in order to cater for fallen, human nature.
What God is saying to us is: under no circumstances is anyone permitted to alter His word, so as to cater to contrary feelings, whether naturally occurring, or whether cultivated.
We would have our share of struggles with feelings, and we may have to pray long and hard, in earnest for victory, but we are never to tamper with what God has said. Anytime anyone attempts to remove or alter the truths given in the Bible, they embark on a slippery slope which ultimately leads to never- land. Let’s read:
Psalms 89: 34 My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.
Deuteronomy 12: 32 What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.
Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
What philosophy is doing in our day is attempting to alter the designations given in Genesis chapters one and two, and when persons choose to subscribe to such teachings God can’t help them recover, if they have been previously convicted by the Holy Ghost, and yet there is no change of perspectives, for they turn their backs on His word, the final authority on all matters.
There are many smooth-talking, politically correct, and financially motivated speakers who concoct a litany of philosophies to suit itching ears. But the word of God is abundantly clear, when it comes to tampering with what He has stipulated.
Thus, we must repeat so that persons would hear precisely, what is being said: Jesus cannot help any individual who has previously been convicted by The Holy Ghost, yet deliberately, and permanently turns their backs on His written word granted such a person has come to the age of reason. Let’s read:
Proverbs 1:24 Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand and no man regarded.
25 But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof.
27 When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.
28 Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:
29 For that they hated knowledge and didn’t choose the fear of the Lord.
30 They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.
31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
We do sincerely encourage everyone to choose the truths written in God’s word, while there is yet the opportunity for salvation to occur in the heart, but the truth of the matter is that there is a point of no return, where a person’s decision becomes fixed for eternity, and the pleading voice of conscience will cease forever. Let’s read:
Hebrews 6: 4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
Question [2]: Should Christian parents be attendees of a transgender/gay marriage, if one of their kids decides to marry someone of similar persuasion, or should the parents desist?
Again, as it was with our first question, parents are free to choose whatsoever they decide to do in such situations yet there are pitfalls and temptations that would beset their feet, if they were to attend. One’s presence at any wedding is most often viewed as an endorsement of the union of those getting married.
Especially if the person in question who is doing the marriage vows, asks if there are any objections to the consummation of the marriage. The parents in such instances would naturally recoil from raising their hands in a public objection, for doing so would almost certainly cast a dark shadow over the entire ceremony.
This in turn could potentially trigger a very bitter backlash from the persons at the altar, and it could create deep wounds that might never heal with the passage of time.
In addition, if the parents in their heart of hearts are decidedly against any such union, yet may choose to attend, just to show support for their kids, they will open the door for severe temptation to compromise their conscientious objections.
They would be invited to take pictures with those who are getting married, the parents would have to walk up the aisle to give the engaged persons away, and throughout the entire festivity, their hearts will be bleeding internally, as they witness that which they know is contrary to God’s will, and favor.
These are just a few of the potential results if God-fearing parents decided to attend. In the spiritual realm, we are counseled against placing ourselves knowingly in the way of temptation, for we would almost certainly be taken advantage of by invisible foes.
This is what occurred when Peter presumed to mix in with the crowds that were reviling Christ in the judgment hall. He entered onto satan’s enchanted ground, and the enemy absolutely abused him, or as Christ once put it, he sifted Peter like wheat.
John, who’d made his inner convictions clear as day, chose rather to be as close to Jesus as possible, but Peter, who courted popularity, chose to blend in with the crowd, so as to disguise his real feelings, and as such, when the crowd poked fun at Christ, he felt obligated to laugh too, lest his true feelings be known.
Thus, Peter fell a prey to the devices of devils, and they turned up the heat several notches, until in his frustration and anger, he let loose a number of four- letter words, denying any connection with Jesus. In other words, satan pressured him into siding with the crowd, against his personal inner convictions. Let’s read:
Exodus 23: 2 Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment.
Romans 14: 22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemns not himself in the thing which he allows.
23 And he that doubts is damned if he eat, because he eats not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is a sin.
The Desire of Ages pp 711>712] The disciple John, upon entering the judgment hall, did not try to conceal the fact that he was a follower of Jesus. He did not mingle with the rough company who were reviling his Master.
He was not questioned, for he did not assume a false character, and thus lay himself liable to suspicion. He sought a retired corner secure from the notice of the mob, but as near Jesus as it was possible for him to be.
Peter had not designed that his real character should be known. In assuming an air of indifference he had placed himself on the enemy's ground, and he became an easy prey to temptation.
Many who do not shrink from active warfare for their Lord are driven by ridicule to deny their faith. By associating with those whom they should avoid, they place themselves in the way of temptation.
They invite the enemy to tempt them, and are led to say and do that of which under other circumstances they would never have been guilty. The disciple of Christ who in our day disguises his faith through dread of suffering or reproach denies his Lord as really as did Peter in the judgment hall.
Peter tried to show no interest in the trial of his Master, but his heart was wrung with sorrow as he heard the cruel taunts, and saw the abuse He was suffering. In order to conceal his true feelings, he endeavored to join with the persecutors of Jesus in their untimely jests.
But his appearance was unnatural. He was acting a lie and while seeking to talk unconcernedly he could not restrain expressions of indignation at the abuse heaped upon his Master.
Question [3]: If the laws of a particular state offer the freedom of choice to underage children on gender issues, should Godly parents comply with Caesar’s law, or are they to affirm an “It is written” in their households, even if there are penalties or adverse consequences including losing custody of a child?
As was clearly stated in response to the two former questions parents and guardians retain the freedom of choice in any matter of conscience, and they are free to choose either the good or the evil, if they so choose.
However, sooner or later, persons who genuinely believe in The Lord Jesus, would discover that in all matters which pertain to salvation, the conscience, worship, and truth, very clear lines of distinction will have to made so that it would be unmistakably clear where we stand on this or that issue.
In instances where the state, or Caesar commands parents to do that which is directly contrary to the word of God and sound doctrine, parents have the sacred duty to disobey Caesar, in deference to God.
There are many things which have become “Legal” with the support of law, but that does not mean to say that we must surrender truth to comply in every instance.
Serving and obeying God will at times involve actual loss, of property, relationships, commercial privilege and family members, in some instances. Those cute doctrines which teach a Christianity without a cross, or salvation without self-denial, are categorized in the Bible as being smooth things, specially designed for itching ears.
There are times, when on account of the incursions of men and demons, persons will have to stand up and be counted the same as took place when Moses asked the question: “Who is on the Lord’s side?”
If Caesar attempts to force unscriptural practices on the saints, whether it be worship or morals, we will have to make decided choices in favor of the right, even though we might suffer serious consequences.
The final conflict of the end time affords no middle ground, in so much that the easy-going Christianity of former years, where individuals sat on the fence without any hard commitment to obey God or satan is quickly coming to an end, and when it does, there will only be two classes, or two camps that remain.
Therefore, if persons decide to remain true to God during these difficult days, we should read the next passages of scripture slowly and prayerfully with the understanding that the days of playing “In the river on the bank” are now almost over. Let’s read:
Matthew 10: 34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother-in-law.
36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.
37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
38 And he that takes not his cross and follows after me, is not worthy of me.
39 He that finds his life shall lose it and he that loses his life for my sake shall find it.
Throughout our very troubled, world there is one word that keeps recurring over and over again, and that’s Decision, Decision, Decision. Let’s read:
Joel 3:14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.
All of the decisions that persons now make would be culminating and converging during the times of Revelation chapter 13, because every time persons deliberately choose to do the right or wrong, those decisions serve to deepen and cement conviction of conscience, in either the good or bad direction.
Let us then form the habit by the grace of God, of making firm concrete decisions in favor of right, and one day soon, The God of heaven would lock in the pattern of choosing right permanently for eternity, during the sealing process.
We therefore strongly advise, and encourage every saint, who names the name of Christ, to stand firm for the right under the most daunting circumstances because he that is faithful in that which is least will also be faithful in much. We end with a quote from the pen of inspiration, as we think on these things. Let’s read: [Education pp 57] The greatest want of the world is the want of men—men who will not be bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true and honest, men who do not fear to call sin by its right name, men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole, men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall.
God Bless!