Sexuality and Identity | Defining Our Identity
The question of identity is built on the foundational understanding of what gets our allegiance. Whatever defines our identity establishes the core of who we are and serves as the default to for our decisions. The problem facing our identity crisis as a culture is that we seem to think we are beings created for sex who sometimes worship God, instead of primarily beings made to worship God who sometimes have sex. Furthermore, the culture’s message to people seems to be one of pursuing sex as a means of self awareness and a normative expression of of a physical urge and nothing less. For the culture, sexuality is both not a big deal and the defining factor of who a person is. Should anyone deny your choices for sexuality, according to the culture, it would be tantamount to a person denying your very existence.
All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything. “Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food”—and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.” But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. (1 Corinthians 6:12-20, ESV)
Yet, a person must, at some point, wrestle with the issue of their identity, especially those who come to Jesus Christ and put their faith in Him. Essentially the question breaks down into two different options. Either the world and the standards of the flesh will define who we are and form the foundation of our identity, or we will allow Jesus Christ to be the foundation of our identity. Each option has within itself things that must be sacrificed and things that must be gained. However, it is only Jesus Christ, the God made flesh, who is fully able to understand our issues and relate to our temptations while still overcoming, who possesses the strength and character to rightfully define our identity. Only God gets to say who I am because we have been bought by the blood of Jesus Christ, who establishes us in a new identity for His glory.
Sexuality As Identity Based
For many people, the highest form of existential expression comes when a person is able to convey their sexual preference. Everything becomes related to their sexuality rather than about anything else about the person. At no point, if a person’s identity is based on the sexuality, their sexual preference, or anything related, can a person let up from that expression. The world will revolve around sexuality and the idea of simply looking to satisfy the flesh. A person in pursuit of this identity may find inclusion into a group of people and earthly pleasure through sex, but they will do so at the expense of a relationship with God in pursuit of fleshly desires.
Yet, as a marker of identity, sexuality simply cannot live up to the expectations and requirements for something that defines a person. At its core, sexual acts are an act of intimate sharing with another person in which two flesh become one. It brings two people together in intimate connection and commitment. As an assertion of individuality and identity, it falls short. For a person to be a truly fulfilled person by this standard, they would have to be in a constant state of expressing their sexuality. Even the most cursory understanding of life finds things that sex does not encompass. There is far more to a person than mere sexual expression or preference but a life to be lived, shared, and enjoyed all for the glory of God.
Identity Defined By God
God intentionally designed and created mankind for His glory that we might delight and dwell in Him. This creation was not an accident or the result of statistical probabilities, but the providential hand of God that sought to craft a masterpiece in His image. For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. (Psalm 139:13-16, ESV) Scripture makes its abundantly clear that God’s design for humanity has been established before the womb. God, as the creator, sustainer, and designer of all things ordered life and creation to exist in a certain way according to God’s good will. When our sexuality runs counter to the intended order of things, we will find ourselves fighting with the High King of Heaven for rule over our lives.
Thus, the only true, good, and proper identity for a person can only be found in our identification with Jesus Christ. Our body is designed to serve as a temple for the Holy Spirit to inhabit. We are designed to reflect the glory of God through the Holy Spirit living within us so that others may see the good works of God and praise His name. Our sexuality and sexual expression will fall short compared to the richness and glory that comes from expressing our true faith in a Holy and perfect God. Nothing can compare with the goodness of the perfection of God. Our bond and identity can only be found in our identification with Jesus Christ through His death burial and resurrection, not in our ability to pursue and gain earthly and fleshly pleasure. When we pursue our identity built on the foundation of faith, we will inevitably turn our backs on the things of this world but in so doing, we will gain eternity from the God who sought us to save us from our sins and comes to be with us as His beloved bride.
About The Author
Daniel Burton is the founder of The Gospel Outpost. He is passionate about discipleship and seeing people grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. To find out more about him, check out his Author Page.
