Your sexual proclivities are not your identity

Your sexual proclivities are not your identity

The Trend of Identifying by Sexuality: A Rebellion Against God’s Creative Order

In recent decades, a cultural phenomenon has emerged where individuals increasingly define themselves by their sexual orientation, proudly embracing labels such as gay, bisexual, or other identities as central to their personhood. This trend, often celebrated as an expression of authenticity, is rooted in the broader sexual revolution that began in the mid-20th century. However, from a biblical perspective, this practice reflects a rebellion against God’s created order, as it elevates personal desires above divine commands and misrepresents the nature of human identity. I would like for us to explore the theological implications of identifying with one’s sexuality, the fallacy of taking pride in an unchosen trait, and the distinction between intrinsic identity and chosen behaviors.

The Biblical Framework: God’s Created Order

Scripture presents a clear vision of human identity and sexuality, rooted in God’s intentional design. In Genesis 1:27, we read, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” This foundational verse establishes that humanity’s identity is anchored in being image-bearers of God, created as male and female for complementary roles within God’s order. Sexuality, in this context, is not a defining characteristic of a person’s essence but a gift to be expressed within the boundaries God has set—namely, within the covenant of marriage between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6).

God’s Word also explicitly addresses sexual practices that deviate from this design. For example, Leviticus 18:22 and Romans 1:26-27 condemn same-sex sexual behavior as contrary to God’s will, describing such acts as “detestable” and “unnatural.” These passages, among others, frame sexual sin as a violation of God’s created order, driven by “dishonorable passions” (Romans 1:26). The Bible does not describe individuals as intrinsically defined by their sexual desires but rather as people who choose to act on those desires, often in defiance of God’s commands.

The Sexual Revolution and Identity as Rebellion

The sexual revolution of the 1960s and beyond sought to dismantle traditional moral frameworks, promoting sexual liberation as a form of self-expression. This movement encouraged individuals to embrace their desires without restraint, rejecting the notion that sexuality should be governed by divine or societal standards. As a result, modern culture has increasingly framed sexual orientation as an intrinsic, unchangeable aspect of identity, akin to race or eye color. People are encouraged to “come out” and take pride in their sexual orientation, as if it were a core component of who they are.

From a biblical perspective, this shift represents a rebellion against God’s creative order. By defining themselves according to their sexual desires, individuals elevate those desires above their God-given identity as image-bearers. The Bible teaches that all humans are born with a sinful nature (Psalm 51:5; Romans 3:23), which manifests in various temptations, including sexual ones. However, scripture does not affirm that people are their temptations. A person who experiences same-sex attraction, for instance, is not intrinsically “gay” any more than a person tempted by greed is intrinsically a “thief.” Rather, the Bible frames such desires as part of the fallen human condition, calling individuals to resist sinful impulses and pursue holiness through the transformative power of Christ (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).

The act of identifying with a sexual orientation, particularly one that involves practices forbidden by scripture, is thus a choice to prioritize personal desires over God’s design. It is an act of rebellion, not because the individual experiences certain temptations, but because they embrace and celebrate those temptations as central to their identity, rejecting the call to repentance and submission to God’s will.

The Fallacy of Pride in an Unchosen Trait

One of the most striking aspects of the modern trend is the emphasis on “pride” in one’s sexual orientation. Events like Pride Month and parades celebrate sexual identities as if they were accomplishments or virtues. Yet, this raises a logical and theological inconsistency: if sexual orientation is an intrinsic, unchangeable trait—as many proponents claim—then taking pride in it makes no more sense than taking pride in being six feet tall, having brown eyes, or being left-handed. These are not achievements or choices; they are simply characteristics. Pride, in its truest sense, is reserved for accomplishments, virtues, or choices that reflect effort or moral character.

The insistence on pride in sexual orientation reveals a deeper truth: the celebration of these identities is not about embracing an unchangeable trait but about affirming a chosen lifestyle. Unlike eye color or height, sexual behavior involves volition. A person may not choose their temptations, but they choose whether to act on them or identify with them. By framing their sexual choices as a source of pride, individuals implicitly acknowledge that their identity is not merely intrinsic but a deliberate stance—one that often stands in opposition to biblical teaching.

This fallacy is further exposed when we consider the biblical view of pride itself. Scripture consistently warns against pride, describing it as a sin that elevates the self above God (Proverbs 16:18; James 4:6). To take pride in a sexual identity that defies God’s commands is not only illogical but spiritually dangerous, as it places human desires at the center of one’s identity rather than God’s truth.

Indulging Desires vs. Intrinsic Identity

The Bible makes a clear distinction between experiencing temptation and indulging in sin. Jesus himself was tempted in every way, yet remained without sin (Hebrews 4:15). Similarly, individuals may experience a range of desires, including those that are contrary to God’s will, but they are not defined by those desires. The modern trend of identifying with one’s sexuality conflates temptation with identity, suggesting that to feel a certain way is to be that way. This is a departure from the biblical view, which calls believers to deny sinful desires and pursue righteousness (Galatians 5:24; Colossians 3:5).

For example, someone who engages in same-sex relationships is not intrinsically “gay” but is choosing to act on desires that scripture identifies as sinful. Likewise, a person who struggles with heterosexual lust outside of marriage is not intrinsically an “adulterer” but is wrestling with temptations that must be brought under submission to Christ. The sexual revolution’s insistence on labeling people according to their desires ignores the transformative power of the gospel, which offers freedom from the bondage of sin (Romans 6:6-7). As 1 Corinthians 6:11 declares, those who once lived in various sins—including sexual immorality—were “washed,” “sanctified,” and “justified” through Christ.

Redeeming Identity in Christ

The trend of identifying with one’s sexuality reflects a broader cultural rebellion against God’s created order, rooted in the sexual revolution’s rejection of biblical morality. By elevating sexual desires to the level of identity, individuals embrace a false narrative that contradicts their God-given purpose as image-bearers. The notion of taking pride in an unchosen trait exposes the inconsistency of this worldview, revealing that such identities are not intrinsic but chosen—a deliberate alignment with desires over divine truth.

For Christians, the response to this trend is not judgment but compassion, coupled with a call to repentance. All people are sinners in need of grace, and the gospel offers hope for transformation. Rather than identifying with our temptations, we are called to find our identity in Christ, who redeems us from sin and restores us to God’s design. As believers, we must lovingly proclaim this truth, pointing others to the freedom and purpose found in submitting to God’s creative order rather than indulging in fleeting desires.