Last week, Evangelicals Now published a brave and insightful interview with Vaughan Roberts where he spoke frankly about his same-sex orientation and his passion for Christ-likeness. Since then there has been a swathe of (mostly positive) public comment and rightly so. But what impact do interviews like this have on people who are quietly struggling with same-sex attraction in their local church? Today, the Good Book Blog asks one woman the question, "what difference has Vaughan's interview made to you?"
1. It's helped me relax
The impression you can get from the newspapers is that Christians are polarised when it comes to matters of sexuality. On one side you have the more liberal Christians who are happy to accept homosexual practice as a lifestyle that honours God; on the other you read about Evangelical Christians vehemently denouncing homosexual practice as heinous sin. To read a wise, gentle and biblical account which is clear that gay sex is outside of God's plan for his people but also empathetic towards those who struggle is so wonderful.
2. It's made me think
I was particularly struck by Vaughan's comment that he has to battle same-sex attraction but doesn't define himself as gay. It's never occurred to me that such a stance is possible but now I think about it, in Christ, it is. I have plenty of other struggles in life (don't we all!) but I wouldn't use them to label myself. And it's liberating to think I don't need to label myself over sexuality either. I'm a child of God - that's the only thing that really counts for anything.
3. It's encouraged me to persevere
Battling any sin is tough. I guess that's why they call it spiritual warfare. But the interview has helped me remember the joy of purity as well as the pain of perseverance that comes with living God's way. Jesus is worth it. The rewards will be awesome. And so I know I've got to keep walking the biblical path and not get distracted by the opinions of people who would have me believe that God's word counts for nothing and feelings should reign supreme.
4. It's made me wonder whether I could be open too
I'm not suggesting I'm going to put my name to a newspaper article. Baby steps are needed. But I've started to wonder if I should tell someone in my church. My minister is great. I have fantastic friends in the body of Christ. I think they'd react well. But I haven't told them about my struggles because it's easier not to. I'm starting to realise that I need to be spurred on to good works in this area of my life as I do in other areas - and that means letting others in.
Which all in all is pretty brilliant. Thank you, Vaughan!
