“No one chooses to be gay.”

I have heard and continue to hear the above-mentioned statement on a frequent basis. Each and every time, I wonder – “Do they really understand what they are stating?”

The statement, I believe, needs some fleshing-out and clarification because it is often completely misunderstood and misused.

At the age of 13 years old, I became acutely aware of my same-sex attraction. However, it was not until many, many years later I embraced, decided, and clothed myself in what many refer to as “the gay identity.”

Let me say it this way – “Homosexual tendencies are discovered but the gay-identity is chosen and decided upon.”

The two are worlds apart and dramatically different.

Once gay-identified men and women that now have new lives in Christ know exactly what I am talking about.

Forty-one years ago, surrendering my life (which included my sexuality to Christ Jesus), in church for the first time in my life and constantly having my nose buried in God’s Word, homosexual practice no longer was an option and utimately no longer desirous.

But, what to do about the gay-identity factor?

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; and to be made new in the attitude of your mind” (Ephesians 4:22-24).

“And this is what some of you were” (1 Corinthians 6:11).

Once again, a choice was before me.

Would I continue to allow feelings, emotions and personal experience dictate my identity or embrace the Lordship of Christ and the Authority of Scripture to define my true identity?

Well, here we are 41 years down the road, and I have never, ever regretted my decision to follow Christ and the truth of whom He says I am.

One encounter with God changed everything.

Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries

Please consider making a donation at www.hiswayout.com/donate. Thank you, Pastor Phillip Lee