Does Our Freedom of Choice Include Gender Selection?
We live in a “my body, my choice” society. People adamantly defend their right to freely choose what goes on with their body. They stand by their absolute right to alter, update, change, improve, enhance, remodel, or do whatever one is big, bold, and rich enough to do to make them happy. Does this decision have God’s stamp of approval on it?
God gives us the freedom to make decisions. He placed the tree of knowledge of good and evil in the midst of the garden and left Adam with the choice to eat or not to eat. God never interfered with Adam and Eve’s decision even in their disobedience. Is gender selection included in that same freedom?
“My Body, My Choice” — Is It?
The simple answer is always yes. The choice is yours to make whatever you believe is best for you. If you are biologically a male but are more comfortable as a female, our society will fully support whatever alterations you undergo, internally or externally, to make you happy. You may encounter some moral tensions for making these decisions but simply put, it is your body and your choice — or is it?
Biologically and realistically speaking, can hormonal injections, dress style changes, and surgical procedures really alter the gender or improve on what God said is good?
Biblically speaking, God cares for us unconditionally and without limit (I Peter 5:7). He promoted the freedom to choose when he placed that tree in the garden. There were numerous trees containing food, but Adam and Eve chose the forbidden tree. God did not jump off the throne or send thunder and lightning to remind them of their loyalty to Him. He allowed them to make whatever choice they wanted. He gave them instructions and defined the results of their choice (Gen. 2:17).
Can We “Correct” God?
Our Heavenly Father looked at His creation and said it was good. He made us wonderfully and full of purpose. Our perfect Father has never made a mistake and never will. Yet there are some that look in that mirror and believe their body was a mistake. When they see themselves, they only see their biological features that are not aligning with the inner screams that taunt them day after day. Can our perfect God have made a mistake and are we allowed to “correct” Him? Biologically and realistically speaking, can hormonal injections, dress style changes, and surgical procedures really alter the gender or improve on what God said is good? Can the external alterations negate the biological truth that the gender you were genetically assigned at birth will remain with you until you die?
Satan Still Whispers
Our Heavenly Father did not create confusion. This type of confusion was present in the garden. It is that voice that whispers that “no one understands” when there are many that do. It is the deception that screams loud in order to make someone believe they are the opposite gender than what they were born. It is the lies some will embrace because of the stereotypical feelings or emotions deemed only to stem from that opposite gender. Satan was whispering to Eve back then and is still trying to influence our decisions now.
Healing and Hope in the Gender God Assigned to You
Can you find healing and hope in the gender God assigned to you? You absolutely can, even though it may be challenging. If the person in the mirror is telling you something different than your heart, God understands. You do not have to alter one thing to have the assurance of His love.
Your body is the living temple of the Holy Spirit (I Cor. 6:9). Although you can choose to do whatever you want with your body, God still holds each one of us accountable for the results of our actions. Jesus is not stepping off the throne to stop your quest to change your gender. Unfortunately, most people will side with their feelings with total disregard for the outstretched arms of God. So many will accept the voice of society to just do what they feel. Yet the call is still in the land for us to turn to God and receive His instruction, guidance, and understanding. It doesn’t matter how far you have gone to the “other side.” God rejects no one. You may have made the choice already and alterations may have begun, but restoration is found in Christ. It is your freedom to choose, but make sure you are absolutely clear on the results of your choice.
While we support everyone’s right to choose, we certainly do not condone anything that discredits the authority and excellence of our Heavenly Father. Your total faith and confidence in Him will help you find the peace and joy you need to find your true identity and walk in His purpose. We are here to help support you in prayer and encouragement. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you so desire.
Janet Boynes founded Janet Boynes Ministries in Maple Grove, Minnesota, in 2006. She authored the books Called Out: A Former Lesbian’s Discovery of Freedom, God & Sexuality, and her latest: God & The LGBT Community. Janet is an ordained minister under the Assemblies of God and travels the U.S. and overseas sharing a message of redemption and hope through the power of Jesus Christ.