1st Corinthians 9:26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beats the air: 27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
Question [2] How should persons deal with all natural, or deliberately induced contrary feelings? It is an indisputable fact that because of our fallen nature, everyone would have to deal with contrary feelings at some point or another, some more some less, and in varying degrees with different desires. Contrary desires striving for the mastery is nothing new, because addictions, and natural and unnatural inclinations are mostly contrary in all persons.
Human nature naturally craves forbidden things and that’s why most kids will choose candy over salad. It is therefore a fact of life, that most of our struggles, even as Christians, will be centered on that which is contrary to God’s revealed will and as such we must avoid changing His designations to suit our cravings. In other words, if God says a certain desire is wrong, whether it be sexual, drug, or diet related, the first step in overcoming would be to acknowledge it as sin, and then ask God for grace and strength to live victoriously.
But what is taking place currently, with the identity crisis, is that many individuals have concluded that contrary feelings are not wrong because that’s what they feel. And in some instances, the legislature has indeed given the thumbs up to such conclusions, by making our personal feelings the determining factor in deciding whether one is male or female.
Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. 28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!