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Intention

Scripture has the answer to questions of gender identity.

Scripture

“Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

So God created mankind in his own image,

in the image of God he created them;

male and female he created them.”—Genesis 1:26–27

Reflection

The issue of our identity has been raging since the beginning of time. From Adam until now, humanity has struggled with the question, “Who am I?”

Recent generations have gone through phases of crises all rooted in the same issue. Whether it has been labelled self-acceptance, self-love or self-esteem, it has always centred on the theme of self.

Today’s trend is to label the same issue as “gender identity” but it is still focused on self. There has been a massive emphasis on pronouns, gender fluidity, costumes, medication and surgery to supposedly reject stereotypes or appropriate the opposite sex.

Instead of encouraging young people to find acceptance in the reality of who they are, made in the image of God, the enemy of our souls has caused people to question their identity according to feelings, not facts.

Our identity does not come from our feelings, our circumstances, or how others may perceive us. Our identity is not found in self.

Our identity comes from God. Who He is determines who we are. We can only discover our true identity, our purpose, our worth, in HIM – our maker, our Father, our friend, the lover of our souls.

God created us male and female. Science asserts this fact. There are only x or y chromosomes. No third (or 76^th) chromosome exists. We produce only small (sperm) or large (egg) gametes. No third (or 76^th) gamete exists. There is male or female. Sex is binary.

God created male or female – in HIS image! We are fearfully and wonderfully made, deliberately and purposefully knit together in our mother’s womb. We have been designed with purpose and God saw all that He had made and said it was very good. We are made in His image – a reflection of the love, unity, and relationship found in the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.

Identifying as something, or someone, other than who God created us to be will leave us unfulfilled, frustrated and empty. We don’t have to measure up to stereotypes or other people’s expectations. We are invited to accept who we are because God made us with intention and purpose.

Stereotypes don’t define us. God, His love, and the death and resurrection of Jesus define us. We are who we are, male or female. But whatever we DO, let us do it to the glory of God!

Prayer

Abba, Father. Beautiful Saviour.

Our true identity can only be found in You. The only answer to the question, “Who am I?” will be found in answering, “Who are You?”

Help us to meditate on You – Your love, Your goodness, Your beauty, Your strength, Your kindness, Your faithfulness. When we are tossed around by the waves our emotions, remind us that You are the anchor, rooted in facts, not feelings.

We are made in Your glorious image and there is nothing that can compare to that! Help us to encourage the young people, the hurting people, in our lives to embrace who they are in light of who You are – our good, perfect and loving Father.

Amen.

31 Days Prayer Points

1. Pray for the restoration of FAMILY, FATHERHOOD and MOTHERHOOD in our nation. Malachi 4:6
2. Pray for healing for MARRIAGES, protection for CHILDREN and restoration of the sanctity of LIFE. Isaiah 58:12
3. Pray for Revival, Renewal and Reformation for Australia, that our nation might return to God. 2 Chronicles 7:14

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