The reasoning usually goes something like this: “If this is natural for me… then it must be right for me.”
And if anyone suggests restraint, self-control, or moral boundaries, that person is often viewed as hateful or uncaring.
But when you really stop and think about it, that idea falls apart pretty quickly.
The truth is, every one of us is born with tendencies we are not supposed to simply give ourselves over to. We all have weaknesses. We all have desires that pull us in wrong directions. That is part of being human in a fallen world.
One person may naturally struggle with anger. Another with pride. Another with selfishness. Someone else may battle greed, jealousy, lust, dishonesty, or addiction.
The Bible never teaches that every natural desire is good simply because it feels natural.
In fact, Scripture says: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
That includes all of us.
I sometimes think we can make a mistake by acting as though one kind of temptation is unique while everyone else is morally neutral. But that is not true at all. We all fight something.
Suppose I were to say, “I have always had a tendency to lose my temper, so people should simply accept it when I explode at others.”
Would that make it okay?
Or suppose someone said, “I have a natural urge to steal things. I was born this way.”
Nobody would conclude that stealing should therefore be celebrated or encouraged. We would still expect that person to exercise self-control.
Why? Because deep down, we all understand an important truth: having a desire does not automatically justify acting on it.
Part of maturity is learning not to let our desires rule us. That is actually one of the major themes of Christianity.
The Bible speaks often about self-control: “Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls.” (Proverbs 25:28)
And: “The fruit of the Spirit is… self-control.” (Galatians 5:22–23)
Following God has never meant doing whatever feels natural in the moment. If we are honest, many harmful things can feel natural. Revenge can feel natural. Bitterness can feel natural. Immorality can feel natural. Selfishness can feel natural.
Jesus never said, “Follow your impulses wherever they lead.”
He said: “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23)
That applies to every single one of us.
And honestly, I think that is where our modern culture struggles. We increasingly treat self-expression as the highest good, while Scripture calls us to something higher than self-expression — it calls us to holiness.
That brings us to the discussion surrounding homosexuality.
Much of the modern argument centers around the idea that same-sex attraction must be morally acceptable because some people experience those feelings deeply and sincerely, perhaps even from an early age.
But even if a desire feels deeply rooted, that alone does not answer the moral question.
As Christians, we have to ask: “What has God said?”
From the beginning, Scripture describes marriage as a relationship between a man and a woman. “Male and female He created them.” (Genesis 1:27)
And: “A man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24) Jesus Himself reaffirmed this in Matthew 19.
That does not mean Christians should become arrogant, cruel, or unkind toward people. Quite the opposite. Christians should be the first to show compassion, gentleness, patience, and humility.
Every person is made in the image of God and deserves dignity and kindness.
But kindness does not require us to abandon what we believe God has taught.
Real love is not simply telling people what they want to hear. Sometimes love speaks difficult truths with humility and compassion.
And if we are being fair, Christianity asks difficult things of all of us — not just some people.
There are desires I have to say no to.
There are desires you have to say no to.
There are struggles every Christian must battle.
None of us gets to place our feelings above God’s will.
The good news of the gospel is not that God tells us to stay exactly as we are. The good news is that He helps transform us.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” (Romans 12:2)
That transformation is not always easy. Sometimes it involves struggle, sacrifice, and denying ourselves. But that is part of discipleship.
Following Christ has never been about pretending temptation does not exist. It is about refusing to let temptation become our master.
And the truth is, every one of us stands in need of God’s grace, forgiveness, and strength.
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