Thoughts on Transgenderism, Part 5

My final thoughts on this will be for me the most compelling argument against going the way of transgenderism. While the passages in the Bible that speak of God creating just two genders and that each person is born with their God-given gender (i.e. identity), still to me not as compelling of a argument as the one I am about the share.

We're told in Jeremiah 17:9 - "The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; Who can understand it?"

If there is one thing we must never do especially if we are about to make a major choice in life, and that is to "follow the promptings of our hearts." Our hearts will lead us astray!   Notice some observations about the verse above that strengthens my point of not trusting our heart.

1. We are told that the heart is "more deceitful."  More deceitful than what? More deceitful "than all else." Whatever Satan uses to bring deceit, the corrupt heart that we are born with is his number one go-to device.

2. We are told that the heart is "desperately sick." Why would anyone who wants answers in life trust something that is desperately sick. Following your heart is like taking counseling from a demon rather than an angel.  The heart is said to be "desperately sick" because it is severely sinful. It is born that way (Psalm 51:5).

3. We are told that no one is able to understand the true intentions of the heart. That is, no one but God. Therefore, rather than listen to our desperately sick heart on such important matters that pertain to gender and identity, we would do so much better to listen to God who alone understands our heart and will guide us from going in the wrong direction.  In other words, internal guidance is never enough. We need external guidance -- a more reliable source outside of ourselves.

Now this may not be apparent to children, some who are often told that they are not biologically who they are because an adult told them otherwise. This is why transgenders go after children because of their vulnerability.  But what I am looking at is this: Christian parents who come across a child who feels he or she was born the wrong gender ought to remember what the Bible says about our sinful heart -- it is very deceptive and will lead us astray if we allow it to.   The greater deception that people often suffer from comes from the deception of their own heart.

Here are some common ways we can become self-deceived:

First, we deceive ourselves when we think that our actions will not have consequences.  Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. (Galatians 6:7-8 )

Second, we deceive ourselves when we think that hearing the Word is preferable than its application. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves… (James 1:22)

Third, we deceive ourselves when we think that the consequences for sexual sin with regards to choices are no big deal. Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men, nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Cor 6:9-10)

Be sure of this, no fornicator, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light… and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness. (Eph 5:5-11)

When lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. (James 1:16)

Fourth, we deceive ourselves when we think that bad people will not affect us or our children.  Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.” (1 Cor 15:33).

Fifth, we deceive ourselves when we conclude that the way of the heart is better to trust in than the teachings of the Bible. Jesus answered them, “You are deceived, because you don’t know the Scriptures or the power of God. (Matt 22:29)

Conclusion: We are going to see and hear a lot more about people coming out and transitioning themselves to another gender. Although I expect this to happen among non-believers since they have no objective moral compass to guide them, I don't see why this occurs among those who profess to be Christians, unless they simply abandoned the authority of the Bible and their profession of faith is simply on stony ground.

We need to show compassion, but in the right way.  I can't think of no better way to show genuine compassion than to hold tightly to the Word of Truth so others who are struggling with transgenderism can find their way back with the help of the Holy Spirit.

End of Series