It would be easy to assume that this conversation is only important to those who find themselves or loved ones wrestling with gender-dysphoria. That is just not the case. The conversation surrounding gender effects more than just those who find themselves identifying as a different gender.

In our cities, schools, churches, and homes there is a conversation happening about gender. The question is not, “Will this conversation happen?” but rather, “Will we be willing to speak with conviction and clarity?”

Many parents and pastors do not feel the need to address issues surrounding gender. They feel as though what is happening “out in the world” has not and will not impact their families or churches.

We cannot ignore the conversation surrounding us. As people who have the Word of God, we cannot sit silently while the world speaks. There is too much at stake. We must engage and lead the conversation.

Ignoring Won’t Work

If we do not want to have the conversation with our children and in our churches, someone else will.

Every time a child turns on a television show, walks onto a school campus, shops at a clothing store, or hops on their phones, a conversation is happening. Mainstream media understands the value in shaping the minds of younger generations. They ease into their agenda in an unassuming and strategic way, and they do not shy away from controversial issues. Cartoons today make statements about gender, music makes statements about gender, celebrities make statements about gender. The conversation is happening.

On campuses there has been a movement away from traditional and biblical views of gender; in some places these views are outright rejected. Clothing stores have to decide how they will market and present their clothes. Male side? Female side? Gender neutral clothing? Restrooms and changing rooms? The conversation is happening, the question is not, “Will it happen?” but rather, “Will we show up? Will we lead it?”

Gender will become a wedge between this generation and the Word.

It would be easy to assume that this conversation is only important to those who find themselves or loved ones wrestling with gender-dysphoria. That is just not the case. The conversation surrounding gender effects more than just those who find themselves identifying as a different gender.

Many young people would rather reject the Bible than disagree with their friend’s choice of gender identity. Since Scripture contradicts their experience, Scripture gets jettisoned. Issues surrounding gender will force our young people to make a decision about what they believe about God’s Word. Is it true and good? Does it lead to flourishing? Or is it outdated and oppressive? Sadly, for many students in our churches, gender ideology will become a wedge between them and God’s word.

Avoiding the conversation makes it seem like we don’t have the answers or do not care.

We are Bible people — people who believe that the Lord has spoken and Scripture speaks clearly to the issue of gender. To avoid the conversation is to imply that we don’t have answers or care enough to share them. If we believe we know the truth but don’t share it, the question becomes, do we even care? We need to believe that God’s design is good and beautiful, that it will lead people to hope and real joy. Although our ultimate goal should not be to just change someone’s gender identity, we must care about the details of people’s lives. More than this, though, we should point people to Christ.

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