No Easy Answers

Last week, I had two friends call me to ask what they should do. Both of them were trying to figure out how to help their kids navigate our culture’s current struggle with gender dysphoria.

They were conflicted because there seem to be so many different messages being shouted from the rooftops of society. Even within Christian circles, many highly influential leaders are saying opposing things when it comes to the topic of gender identity. With society’s rhetoric getting more extreme and divisive, it is easy to simply agree with the loudest voice. But the truth is - there are no easy answers.

But just because there are no easy answers, doesn’t mean there are no answers. 

The Bible is the guidebook for everyone—not just Christians—who are seeking the kind of abundant life that God designed. Yet, these days, the Bible is becoming increasingly disregarded and disparaged by non-Christians and Christians alike. 

Today, powerful voices are using individual’s painful experiences with gender dysphoria to try and rid themselves of God’s authority over their lives. But we need to remember that we are not the first civilization that has tried to get rid of the need for God and His Word. Throughout history, many have tried to usurp the authority of Scripture, but no matter how hard people have tried, the Bible has withstood the test of time. 

The Bible can give us answers because it is not swayed by the emotional whims of society. The Bible is not subject to the influence of our leaders or the cunning craftiness of their messages. The Bible boldly calls sin, sin and righteousness, righteousness. 

Can the Bible be misinterpreted and misused? Absolutely. Yet, when the Bible is interpreted by people filled with God’s Spirit, accountable to a Christ-centered community, and filtered through reason and experience - life-giving truth is discovered. 

If we will anchor ourselves to the Bible in this way, there is no end to the good it can bring. Remember the words of Jesus, “If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, you will bear much good fruit.”

As the Apostle Paul said in the face of Roman culture long ago, “Let God be true and every man a liar.”

— David