What would total healing look like?

We make the point often in our ministry that it is not God's plan to replace our homosexuality with "normal" heterosexuality, one which we believe is always in some way or other, a broken sexuality. This perhaps universal brokenness in human sexuality can become clear to us if we try to picture sexuality as we believe God originally designed it. Because even our imaginations are tainted by the Fall, no one could picture this perfectly, but here's my imperfect image of sexuality as God originally meant it to be: For every man there would be a woman, and for every woman, a man. (God said it was not good for us to be alone.)

If a young person had sexual desires before he or she married, these would bring great joy and excitement for what lies ahead, rather than frustration for what he or she could not yet have. Once married, a man and woman's sexual desire would always flow out of their love for one another, and the experience of the marriage bed would be glorious. The exquisite pleasure a husband would experience during sexual intercourse would be matched by the joy in his heart that came from knowing that he was bringing a like pleasure to his wife.

And of course, the same would be the case for a wife. Both husband and wife would take pleasure in observing the beauty in other men and women, and they would delight in the glory of the true masculine and feminine in others, but their sexual desire would be only for the one with whom God had made them one flesh. I think you will agree, if some-thing like this is the original plan, then it is unlikely that anyone is ever totally healed from their sexual brokenness.

What is the healing that we can expect?

If it is unrealistic to assume that we will attain the purity of sexuality just described, then what is a reasonable expectation for healing from same-sex attraction (SSA)? Some years ago I wrote this definition for healing from homosexuality: Healing from homosexuality occurs when an adult, whose primary or exclusive sexual and/or romantic attractions have been towards persons of the same sex, experiences a significant decrease in same-sex attractions and an increase in opposite-sex attractions to the extent that a heterosexual life that is emotionally, sexually and psychologically fulfilling is made possible. Accompanying these erotic and emotional changes is a change in self-perception in which the individual no longer identifies him or herself as homosexual.

This definition has stood the test of time, so I still stand by it. Of course we minister to people who are not there yet, to those who have arrived at this place, and to those who have gone beyond it. Although I can't prove it, after more than 25 years of ministry, I have come to believe that this is a realistic goal for any man or woman who really desires change, and who lives the "normal Christian life" of trying every day to become more Christ-like.

But, is this enough?

Many men and women who have experienced this level of healing-or have even gone beyond it-still long for more. They have a deep sense of not yet being where they believe they should be. If you look at this definition and reflect on what it does not say, you might see why they feel this way. It doesn't say that:

1. They no longer have any same-sex attractions, either emotional or sexual. A remnant of the old life might be experienced if one's eyes, more often than one would like, go to a person of the same sex rather than to a person of the opposite sex.

2. Their level of sexual desire for their spouse or their spouse-to-be meets what they believe is the norm for people who had never experienced SSA. I did a study some time ago of the marital sexual experiences of married ex-gay men, and although 62% of the men described their sexual relationships with their wives as "terrific" or "pretty good", 73% wished they had more desire for sex with their wives.

3. The man or woman is totally content with his or her own manhood or womanhood.

Totally Healed?

One other missing ingredient is often present in former SSA men, but in their hearts they know it shouldn't be there; they don't lust after women like other men do. Of course, God is not in the business of dealing out lust. Are you, regardless of how far along you are in your healing, bothered by the sense that you are still stuck some place where you should not be, that your healing should be closer to "total" by this time? That's where many of our people are.

Living not totally healed

If you live with a nagging discontentment because you are not where you believe you should be, you are not that abnormal. I say this, because I believe that this is properly the state of all Christian believers. The Holy Spirit in each of us forms a vision of what the truly good and righteous and perfect should be. We long to manifest that vision. But none of us fully do. This is one of the things that keeps us conscious of how much we need God. So in one way, what you experience is common to all Christian men and women.

However, there are these special longings for more and better in many people overcoming SSA. I have just described some of them. If you are experiencing dissatisfaction at how far your healing has come, here are some home truths that might help you to ponder:

MEDITATE ON THIS

If you are experiencing dissatisfaction at how far your healing has come, here are some truths that it might help you to ponder:

1. Healing is a lifetime process. Your healing has not stopped. It seems that God, more often than not, moves more slowly than we would like Him to. But remember, He's always right. A few years ago, in response to my experience that after many, many years of being a Christian and having reached a ripe old age, it seemed that God hadn't let up one bit on trying to make me the man He created me to be. My article "When Will God Let Up?" drew a large response from fellow senior Christians. No matter what your age, He isn't through with you yet.

2. The process of healing can be a joy. Change is difficult. It often brings pain. But at the same time, our breakthroughs, our little steps of growth when we recognize them, can be a great source of joy in our lives. God is with us! His power working in us is real! Every little step toward wholeness can bless our hearts. Healing and growth can be an adventure!

3. We can develop a grateful heart. We can form the habit of regularly reminding ourselves that the cup is three quarters full, not one quarter empty. Think of where you might have been had you stayed on your former course of life.

4. Reject perfectionism and accept reality. Look around you. We all live in the midst of broken people, yes even in our churches. Most people struggle with something and most carry some burdens through all or most of their lives. You are not unique.

5. Think of yourself in relation to your Father. He delights in every little step you have taken. I am a very imperfect father, but I took great joy as each of my children grew bit by bit, day by day, even though I knew that they were far from where they should one day be. God loves you where you are, and He delights in the slightest move you make towards healing and wholeness. Meditate on this.

Totally Healed?

In this area of healing, it is so important that we be realistic. We must take hold of the hope that is truly ours in Jesus Christ. But at the same time, we must not set ourselves up for debilitating disappointment. St. Augustine put it very well in addressing the risks of erring on either side: There are two things that kill the soul-- despair and false hope. "Total healing" may be an unlikely thing for anyone who has dealt with any form of sexual brokenness, and God may take us down a different road than the one we expected, but let our lives be led in the light of His word, and let Him be glorified in our lives. Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen (Ephesians 3:20-21).

--For more information on Regeneration Ministries, E-mail josh@RegenerationMinistries.org.

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