Family life, gender, and sexual preference are considered, today. Life as a new creation through Jesus Christ is continually attacked, confronted, and opposed by diffuse yet sophisticated systems of belief that are widely held, and on surface, are legitimate and useful. Included are the World, the Flesh, the Great Whore, and the Devil. Believers must stay focused to avoid becoming distracted; for those embracing the systems of disbelief usually approve and endorse one another as though they have eliminated the natural need within the created to seek, and submit to the Creator. Bitterness, confusion, deceit, depression, hate and self-destructiveness are not being put forth by GOD. The consciousness, goals, and values antagonistic systems provide ordinarily corrupt family relationships, home life, and the course of all emotional, psychological, and spiritual development encouraged by divinity. Only where believers apply their endowments from GOD can those choosing to follow Jesus correctly meet the repeated challenges to display clarity, compassion, consistency, faith, godliness, purity, righteousness, stability, wisdom, and wrath against sin. One of the many fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (required profile information not shared) posted the following:
Christians, what would you do if your child told you they were transgender?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; (2nd Corinthians 10: 3-5, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A Bold Step Forward? (05/15/2016); Salvation Only Through Christ? (01/07/2016); The Correct Prescription? (11/19/2015); Scandal and Sin Among Believers? (06/05/2015); Making Sin Appear as Sinful? (06/07/2015); Putting GOD First? (06/02/2013); Need for A New Holy Spirit? (06/03/2013); Illusion? (04/25/2013); Not of Legal Age? (04/26/2013)
“Anonymous”, here are a few points to consider that, through operations of the Holy Spirit, are coming from the cross, despite barriers of time and space, along with blood, correction, and truth from Jesus Christ. There are many intense issues to be faced by those within the body of Christ, the communities of faith, and the household of GOD who also seek gay, lesbian and transgender lifestyles. The clear place of diversity as a value from GOD notwithstanding, demands must be addressed from disparate sources that include the divine order (i.e., male and female made he them), the natural order (male and female made he them), the “normative order” (i.e., how things ought to be), civil liberties within the social order, and the “existing order” (how things actually are given the continuing operations of sin).
Rebirth only provides comprehensive change of ones character, nature, and spirit substance (we say, one is born again). A believer’s physical characteristics usually remain unchanged (e.g., disabilities, ethnicity, eye color, health, height, weight); and rebirth does not immediately impart full maturity, perfection, and sanctification. The born again believer must gradually “grow up” again facing life challenges upon the earth that may include bereavement, congenital anomalies, disabilities, imprisonment, performing sacred duties, parenting, persecution, and suffering. Even so, all believers will experience ongoing changes that will result in their final transformation at the appearing of Jesus (some say, the Advent, the Rapture, the Second Coming).
Balance, individuality, self-affirmation, and self-esteem are gradually developed through life experience that is often diffuse and varied. Given that many subtleties may exist (i.e., hidden differences; unseen shifts and changes), no parent can predict the final outcomes of their childrearing efforts. Even so, they continually are to share acceptance with their child displaying genuine care and love. Wise Christian parents are more likely to share direct instruction with their child to reinforce and support the child’s developing commitment as a disciple and follower of Jesus Christ. In the same way it is not inappropriate that parents require school attendance, it is correct to call forth obedience to covenant agreements within the home that will delay routinely expressing peculiar attitudes, behaviors, and personal interests that are divisive of family life, and that have serious potential to appear as attacks and hostility against the larger community. Parents may reasonably seek agreements to cooperate in Bible studies, church attendance, obeying dress codes, and practicing self-restraint regarding sexual explorations. The parent is no less accountable for clarifying the danger of corruption, exaggerated pride, and questionable lifestyles to the child as well as for demonstrating and encouraging their offspring to internalize the “parental presence” (what to do or say, when we are not physically there with you).
There is far more that could be said, must be carefully examined, and spiritually understood. Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
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