“Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds.” Ephesians 4:17

It is a modern futility of the mind that sexual identity is now a matter of personal preference and is disconnected from the body God has given us as demonstrated by our sexual organs, chromosomes and DNA.

The problem is not just mental or cultural but spiritual. They believe the lies, the falsehoods of the evil one, having no knowledge of the spiritual battle that is taking place. They are literally under the control of Satan and his demons. Satan hates us because we are the image bearers of God. and he will do his utmost to destroy us.

“They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity.” Ephesians 4:18-19

These are harsh words: because of the ignorance in them, they are darkened in their understanding, have hardened hearts, and are alienated from God. Thereby they become callous and given up to every kind of impurity.

What is to be our reaction? This scripture makes it clear our response is to be twofold.

“Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” Ephesians 5:11

Christ must be our model of how we expose and address gender and sex issues. Invariably they will call us bigots and haters but others who know us will say, “No, they disagree with us, but I think they love me and want what is best for me.”

“Finally be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:10-12