Deciphering Desire- clarity on sinful desire, action and human identity

13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

James 1:13-15

There is much discussion within church culture about whether it is acceptable, in God’s sight, for a person to have sexual desires but not act upon them. This conversation often arises in the context of individuals dealing with same-sex attraction (SSA) ,while also believing in Jesus, but this can and should be considered with any other possible sexual desire. Some view internal desires as harmless because they do not lead to actions. It's important to have this conversation. This is why we are taking time to explore the scriptures and understand how to interpret desire from a Biblical perspective.

At The Union, we often receive questions about what kinds of sexual behaviour are acceptable. One of the most frequently asked questions is, "Can you be gay and be a Christian?” To which we often answer with a simple "No," However, it's crucial to understand what someone means when they ask this question. They may be referring not just to actions, but to desires or identity. This doesn't change the answer, but it does require us to delve deeper into the dynamics of desire and identity. To bring more clarity on this, I’ve often then walked people through the difference between a desire, an identity one may have with a sinful action, and the action itself. So, can someone have sinful desires and still be a Christian? Yes, but as we will see later, a follower of Christ doesnt make space for sinful desires to grow and surrenders these desires to Christ. In the realms of identity and practice there is no Biblical justification for any aveneue of sin to be acceptable before God in this way.

You may not be aware, but the concept of a Christian identifying as gay while believing that acting on homosexuality is a sin and therefore abstaining from it is gaining traction. This should be a concern for us. Why? The reason is twofold. First, it places an adjective in front of who Christ is. This is a form of idolatry. This issue isn't limited to sexuality and homosexuality but applies to all areas of life. If I introduced myself as a straight, white, coffee-snob Christian, I would be indicating that there are aspects of my life more important than my identity in Jesus. In this case, my sexuality, my skin tone, and my coffee habits. These should all be secondary to who I am as a child of God through Christ. These are part of who I am, but they must take a much distant second place to my identity in Christ.

Second, using the adjective "gay" does not work with any other sinful practice. Hypothetically, if I introduced myself as Bryan, a murderous Christian, or Bryan, the adulterous Christian, I doubt you would be affirming me for my boldness and would rather call the police. For some reason, we dont see the disconnect when it comes to unrighteous sexual desires.

Regarding the aspect of desire, we must answer the question: Are desires ineffectual in and of themselves, and do they only have power when acted upon? The truth is, that our desires are potent. Whether they are thoughts or internal urges, they are not absent of power. What we think about and feed our souls with is extremely impactful. Now you might be saying, “Bryan, Bryan…I’m not acting upon it” To which I and James would answer, “Well…not yet”. Think of it this way: our desires are like train engines, pulling behind them proverbial freight cars filled with actions. This connection is unavoidable. You can't have desires without corresponding actions; the only variable is the timeframe between a nurtured desire and a step of action. This is what the passage in James speaks to.

James clearly shows that God doesn’t tempt people because evil is not in His nature. God will not therefore tempt someone towards evil. James then highlights the process we just mentioned.

But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. (V14)

Temptation spurs into existence because of our unchecked sinful desires. If our sinful desires are submitted to Christ and put to death, no action or fruit of desire can come forth.

Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.(v15)

Desires are seeds that when sown into the soil of our heart produce fruit. Sexual desires that are outside the boundary and framework of Biblical marriage, are not any different. If one continues to allow immoral desires to live rent-free in their heart and mind, they can expect a corresponding action to take place. This is why Solomon states “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)

We guard our hearts by doing what Paul speaks of in 2 Corinthians 10:5. We “take every thought captive to obey Christ.” The Greek word used here for captive speaks to one being led away accused. This paints a picture of someone taking a thought or desire before the Lord declaring it to be guilty in His eyes and allegorically being sentenced to prison, never again seeing the light of day. We don’t wear our sinful desires as a badge or an identity statement. We lay them down in humility and allow the grace of God to transform our hearts and change our desires so that we live what He loves and desire what He desires in holiness and righteousness.

It’s so easy to read something like this and think that it only applies to someone who doesn’t sin the way you do or faces desires that you don’t face. This is unfortunately part of the human condition that thinks of an area that someone else needs to change in and not examine our own life. But let me ask you this, are there areas in your life where you are allowing sinful desires to have free reign in your mind? If so, there’s a beautiful invitation from the Lord to repent, to change your mind and corresponding action. To see these desires the way God sees them and humbly receive transforming grace as you surrender them. What I love about the Lord is that whenever He points to an area that requires adjustment and correction in, its always for us to experience a greater understanding of who He is. He “… disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.” (Hebrews 12:10b)