Lacking Christ allows for an abundance of identity placements. Possessing Christ grants you an identity placement. Similar to all things in faith, identity is a process. The proceeding story is my identity process.
When starting this journey, the identity I walked in was “a Man of God who stoped obeying same sex attractions for the Gospel.” It’s a great challenge for one who walked openly in same sex attraction, to be liberated from all associations with that identity. God, having grace, so boldly and abruptly began to call me into walking in my ONLY identity. That being a Man of God.
This process began slowly with receiving prayer that I could walk in my only identity. For that time he was asking me into this prayer but I had no context for what that meant but, I was obedient and prayed. (Sub lesson here, I feel compelled to share about how God asks for obedience not instant transformation. Therefore, give people space to be obedient and, allow things in your life to take time).
Due to where I placed my Identity, I felt it okay to interact with others in a way that was reflective of the false identity. And in so doing held my self back from walking in who I am called to be. Here I would like to elaborate, by calling sisters in Christ my “honeys” or “lil mammas” I held myself back from being a full man of God. Quite frankly, what full Man of God do you know, who calls every female he knows his “lil mamma honey baby”?
I have revived the fun and very unique opportunity of placing my actions on an even playing field with my guys team. The cuddling and flirting that I, incorrectly, granted myself the right to, has now been canceled for the sake of identity. If my “Man of God“ brothers can’t do it or say it, then neither can I. This transformation has been incredible. Complicated and challenging but, impactful and for my good.
Sometimes obedience looks like walking left on the street, sometimes it looks like healthy comparison and diction transformation. Above all God is working all things for the good of those who love him.
Love God hard and are you walking in obedience?
THIS!!!
Proud to know you, Stead. Your obedience is beautiful.
so so proud of you. your words are powerful and it has been a great pleasure to cheer you on. Love you a bunches
I love you, kiddo!
Wow. Yes, man of God. Thank you for the encouragement to walk in obedience to Christ and receive His grace in the process. Thanks for your vulnerability and courage to share this part of your process and your rootedness in identity.
I am beyond proud of you and this obedience. Love you stead.