An asset or liability?

Most people who contact TfT view their sexuality entirely in terms of a 'problem', 'handicap', or 'liability'. It is seen simply as something to struggle with and defeat, rarely as a vital part of their value. I believe our emotions and sexuality are closely linked. They have developed in a unique way through our unique experience of life. This means they speak to us about ourselves and help us to understand others. God has allowed our emotions and sexuality to develop in this unique way, in a sense, as our 'story' - God being the 'storyteller'. If we are saying our stories, including our sexuality, are not valuable, we are telling God He can create or allow something that is not valuable. If we believe that, it's hardly surprising we doubt our own value. I believe we must accept our value, even if we don't 'feel' it - anything less than this is dishonouring to God. We can 'unwrap the gift' of our sexuality by accepting it, understanding it, and perhaps even hearing what God is saying to us through it. If we can see the value of the gift to us, personally, then it must be valuable to others, also. It can lead us to know more of God's love and forgiveness. It can help us to know and understand others. Of course, like many feelings and experiences, it can also be a liability and cause big problems for us and to others. However, nothing is impossible for God to redeem.

As I said earlier, that does not mean we cannot work at issues that may result in a change of sexual desires, problems and maybe even orientation. What we do need to question is our motive in doing this. Is it to obey God or help us feel more acceptable? Are we willing to honour God by accepting the value of our story, including our sexuality, as it is today - not what it may or may not be tomorrow?