“How is that even possible?” I think incredulously as I examine my pants.
I don’t know why I’m surprised. I weigh more now than I ever have (apart from those times when I was incubating another human); I shouldn’t be shocked at the worn-thin fabric on the inner thighs of my favorite jeans.
I wish I could tell you that I’m learning to love my body no matter what size it is.
I wish I could tell you that I’m fearfully and wonderfully made, so the extra weight doesn’t matter.
I wish I could tell you that a woman’s inner beauty is all that’s important anyway, so a few pounds isn’t a big deal.
That would be a nice place to be. Plus, those are the posts that get liked and shared and shared and liked until they go viral.
It’s what we like to hear, after all.
But I’ve gotta tell you, it’s just not ringing true.
At least not for me,
and not for now.
Though not for the reasons you might be thinking.
Don’t get me wrong…I don’t like spending money for new clothes while three smaller sizes waste away in my closet. And I don’t like seeing pictures of my puffy new self. And I don’t like the quick!-suck-in-my-belly impulse that haunts me when I walk around in public.
But those things aren’t a really big deal to me right now.
You see, while I agree that I’m fearfully and wonderfully made, I’m all too aware that the “fearfully and wonderfully” can fade.
And it has.
Because of me.
Because rather than choosing to be a faithful steward of the God-given health of my God-given body…
I’ve chosen instead to abuse it.
Through self-indulgence.
Gluttony.
Laziness.
And though I don’t like the extra weight I’m hauling around, what bothers me more than that is the message that comes packaged in thirty-five pounds of fat:
I have a sin problem. I lack self-control.
And what bothers me most of all is the fact that not having self-control can actually cause people to doubt the saving power of my God. It can make onlookers question sincerity of my Christian testimony.
Don’t believe me?
Consider this verse from the apostle Paul:
“But I discipline my body and keep it under control,
lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”
1 Corinthians 9:27
Paul knew that despite his persuasive preaching, his faithful perseverance in times of trial, and his diligent training of Christ’s church, all of his efforts would be in vain if his testimony was disqualified by his lack of self-control.
That can really happen. And it is happening.
If you look at any social media status, news article, or blog post that makes a statement against homosexual marriage, you will almost always see comments blasting hypocritical Christians who ignore the numerous Scriptures about gluttony and focus on the relative few verses about homosexuality.
And you know what?
I think they have a valid point.
Regardless of opinions about their motives or agendas or skewed perspectives or eyes blinded to the truth…
I can’t help but wonder whether their eyes will ever be opened to the truth if they don’t encounter Christ-following people living the truth.
The truth that says an end result of God’s Spirit living within me is that I will have control over my appetites (Galatians 5:22-23). The truth that says I am free from the power of sin (Romans 6:18). The truth that says I don’t have to live in bondage anymore (Galatians 5:1).
How can I tell them Jesus will set them free from their sinful lifestyles…
when I haven’t yet claimed freedom from mine?
And so my weight issue is more than a pesky annoyance. It’s more than vanity. More than my health is at stake.
It’s my testimony.
And so is yours.
And you know what? It’s not just about losing weight.
(Here’s where some of you who have this thing “under control” might need to sit up and pay attention.)
My weight hasn’t been stable since I was sixteen years old. I’ve fluctuated within a thirty-five pound range for well over half my life. My cycle goes something like this:
Give in to my fleshly desires and indulge in greed and laziness. (No punches pulled here. I’m talking about myself, after all.)
Gain weight. (duh!)
Get disgusted with myself and my too-tight clothes, and then inspired by vain thoughts of how good I’ll look when I’m thin (brutal honesty here).
Start dieting in some way, shape, or form and exercising in some non-running way, shape, or form, all while staying inspired by more vain thoughts of how good I’ll look, how much better I’ll look than so-and-so, and how impressed so-and-so will be by how good I look.
Oh, how painful that is to write. But it’s the plain, ugly truth…
(bared openly for all the world to see).
Gulp.
Sure, I’ve lost weight this way. But what God has been showing me lately is that this is not me claiming freedom. It’s a cycle of bondage.
The cycle starts with bondage to greed and gluttony. And though the greed and gluttony eventually stop, the bondage doesn’t.
Because instead of casting aside the bondage and claiming the freedom Christ died to secure for me, I choose instead to trade one kind of bondage for another. I trade my bondage to greed and gluttony for bondage to pride and vanity.
I wonder if you can identify…
We trade our chocolate fanaticism for a gym obsession.
We trade our couch potato status for P90X bragging rights.
We exchange our fast food fetish for a detoxing, juicing, no-carbing, lean protein fixation.
We stop worshiping the lust of the flesh only to start bowing to the pride of life.
What would happen if you and I took back our testimonies?
If we paid attention to Jesus’ statement that “to whom much is given much will be required” (Luke 12:48), and realized that our health is included, and decided to take care of it like it’s the sacred trust that it is?
Not for vanity’s sake. But for the sake of our Master, who entrusted us with health in the first place.
To walk in freedom…
in the confident security that accompanies faithful stewardship…
to have a testimony that’s above reproach…
well, I think those are worth the sacrifice of any craving my appetites can concoct.
How about you?
Since writing this post, I’ve found a biblical method that has helped me make great progress in setting goals (like losing weight!) and achieving them. I’d love to share it with you! Click here for more information.
Did this post strike a chord with you? Don’t miss this post, in which I offer steps I’m taking to improve my health, including free Bible memory printables on self-control and God’s sufficiency.
**Please know that this post is written from my personal experience. If the heart issues I address in this post don’t ring true in your own life, please disregard it! Some large people do not struggle with gluttony. Some small people do. It’s not about size; it’s about our hearts! Beauty does come in many shapes and sizes, and the last thing I want to do is cause any woman to have a negative body image. I simply seek to encourage us all to consider the heart issues that can pertain to this issue.
Carla Coleman says
Jennifer, I am simply amazed at the way God is using you!! You don’t know how much I needed to hear this TODAY!! It’s been on my heart for a long time and I have been struggling to grasp this truth. I always say I just don’t have time to exercise or cook healthy meals ( just too busy) but it is absolutely sin (hard to admit) and this needs to be just as important as worship and bible study.
With much love, Carla
Jennifer Clarke says
Hi, sweet lady! Can I just tell you how much this note means to me? I wish we had chatted about this face-to-face when we were last together. ((hugs)) I’m learning that stewardship is largely about priorities, balance, and choices. So yes, there will be days when stewardship of some aspects of life mean that I genuinely don’t have much time to devote to others…just because, well, life happens! There’s work to be done, relationships to nurture, sickness to tend…the list goes on and on! But I use lack of time as a copout far too often. Generally speaking, we make time for what’s important. Now to align my idea of “important” with God’s! Because I think therein lies true fulfillment in life. Thank you so much for sharing and for identifying about this with me!
Lisa Reynolds says
LOVED this message! I can relate to EVERY word you wrote! i had to make sure that you are aware of Jimmy Pena and PrayFit.com. He agrees with you too! ive posted the mission statement from his website below. check it out!
The goal of PrayFit is to be a place where fitness-minded believers can read and memorize Godโs word while pursuing a healthier lifestyle. To help families, small groups and churches see health as a means of praise. Prayfit is not about any particular program (even though we have a book and DVDs to help as resources), but Prayfit is a mindset, a philosophy that our health is important; not more important than the heart, but simply a tool, a vessel to serve God and others. Let us know how we can help you, your family or church see health as a means of praise.
Jennifer Clarke says
Lisa, thank you so much for sharing this wonderful resource! I can’t wait to check it out! ๐
Tiffany Clark says
I’m proud of you for writing this. It demonstrates a heart desire that our Lord will hear and honor. My lack of self-control has manifested itself in other ways, but I have found fasting to be an excellent tonic for it. Not because it is a quick way to lower caloric intake, but because it forces me to be aware of every impulse I feel throughout the day to put something in my mouth. I heightens my awareness of my every action, training me to be intentional and controlled about each one. When I find myself becoming spiritually lazy and making excuses for myself, the Lord prompts me to a day of fasting and submitting my appetites and desires to Him. Amazing how that one day can reset my focus!
John Piper has written an excellent book on fasting called a Hunger for God.
For more on fasting:
http://messytheology.wordpress.com/2014/04/03/hungry-but-satisfied/
Jennifer Clarke says
I remember your post about fasting. It struck a chord with me because you included your children in this important discipline. I must confess I’ve neglected it much myself. I’m forming a list of things I want to share with my accountability partner so she can help me stay on target, and a 24-hour fast by September 30th is on my list, thanks to God’s leading through your recommendation. I have Piper’s book, and read it years ago; but I think it’s time for a refresher! Thank you for sharing from your heart about this issue, and for broadening the discussion beyond gluttony.
Rachel Keller says
Jennifer, I almost didn’t click the link to read this article, since weight has never been an issue for me, and I actually LOVE to exercise. In fact, I have to make certain to keep my desire for health/fitness in proper perspective. Just because a person is thin all her life doesn’t mean she doesn’t struggle with how others view her. And while I don’t have food/weight issue problems, I have my own personal struggles that others may never encounter.
Thank you for writing this article, and for your honesty. You are so true in what you say, and your words spoke to me and caused me to examine my motives. Thank you for ministering to me and to so many others through your words (Proverbs 27:17).
Jennifer Clarke says
Rachel, thank you for pointing out the varied applications of stewardship and self-control. I’m also grateful for your encouragement!
Katie G. says
Jennifer,
I so appreciate your putting into words what has been on my heart for some time now…I just told a friend today that “I don’t want to go on Weight Watchers again (what I did after each child). I want to follow God and listen to Him regarding my eating, exercising, etc!” God has convicted me of the very same things, but I have been very stubborn in leaning into that conviction. I identify with you here so very much; please know I will pray for you in this, and I would love you to pray for me as well! Thank you for your honesty, and for letting God use you in this way.
Jennifer Clarke says
Hello, sweet friend! What a true blessing to hear from you. I welcome your prayers, and I have created a list of readers who have said they identify with this post, so I can pray for you all, too! I’m delighted to hear of God’s work in the hearts of so many; may we be faithful to obey!
Alisha Carpenelli says
As much as I love what you wrote, I hate it more – not because it is wrong, but because it is right. I struggle at letting go of my food, self-worth and self-loathing issues. I’ve been a slave to indulgence and starvation for more than two-thirds of my life. The hardest thing to admit is that I’m not sure if I can let go because I’m afraid of who I am without it. That’s the hard, honest, ugly truth.
Jennifer Clarke says
You’re not alone in the love-hate mindset, Alisha. Truth is so hard sometimes. And acting on the truth regardless of how I feel or what I want or what I’m used to is a step of faith. Not a “step of faith” in an ambiguous, abstract kind of way. It’s really a this-will-make-a-difference-right-now kind of way. Sometimes I actually give myself a pep-talk: “Okay, Jen, you say you believe. You say there is a God. You say His Spirit is within you. Well, now is the time to act on it.” Because is belief really belief if we don’t act on it? I can say, “I know this chair will hold me if I sit down,” but if I’m unwilling to actually sit in it, do I actually believe what I say I do?
This is your chance to prove it. Who will you be without those issues? You’ll be free. Maybe at first it will be an uncomfortable, awkward, stumbling kind of free. But if you keep taking uncomfortable, awkward, stumbling steps of faith, you will get stronger! Don’t think about making a drastic lifelong change; you aren’t guaranteed a lifetime. Focus instead on being a good steward of this one choice in this one moment.
Thank you for sharing your hard, honest, ugly truth, and for identifying so transparently with mine. You’re on my prayer list for this topic. Much love to you!
Rikkei Topps says
Thank you Lord for her obedience, thank you Lord for her TRUTH and her transparency. I needed this, because this has become my existance. I was skinny and full of pride and I lacked self esteem before I had children, so I was vain, and then I had children, and 90 pounds later…… this is my story. It is about self control. There are so many mornIngs that I dont wake up early enough to spend time with the Lord, there are soooooooo many workouts that I’ve made excuses not to do, there are so many unhealthy habits, excuses, self conscious, and condemnitory feelings that I drown in everyday. and when I Fantasize about my perfect body it’s not about progression, it’s not about being patient with myself, it’s not about the reward of the work it’s not about the power of God, it’s about picturing myself looking like someone out of a magazine. thank you for posting this I needed this because through this I’ve come to understand that there’s a lack of contentment and that there is gluttony and pride and selfishness that the Lord wants to free me from because the way that I’m living now there is so much lack!!!.There is a lack of accomplishment, there’s a lack of freedom, and there is (even as you said), a lack of showing people that God’s power is working through me and worst of all there’s a lack of me showing this in my home to my husband and my children. This is the wake up call that I needed! Thank you
Jennifer Clarke says
Rikkei, I am blown away by your testimony. Reading what you’ve shared makes the struggle of sharing my own experience beyond worth it, helping me realize the beautiful privilege of being able to communicate what I sense God wanting to do for each of us. I’ve added you to my prayer list on this topic, and I do hope you’ll stay in touch!
Pat Whitney says
Jennifer, you have blessed many with your transparency and honesty and this topic is one of those very personal issues, and very dear to my heart. Over the past several years, God has used this topic to change me not only physically but more importantly, spiritually. Your post is very true and accurate: it is a HEART issue! I remember Carol Trahan, an amazingly Godly speaker, say as part of her testimony, “God has not given me the freedom to eat what I want, when I want and in what quantities I want!” I’ve never forgotten that. I’ve searched high and wide for a solid biblical study on this topic, and have only come across 2 that don’t add or take away from the Word of God, but use the Word and unhindered Worship as the basis for my heart change: “Love to Eat, Hate to Eat”, coupled with the study guide called “Uncommon Vessels” both by Elise Fitzpatrick; and “Made to Crave” by Lysa TerKeurst. (All available through Amazon). And although these have been biblically helpful resources to help expose my sin and help me think rightly, real change has come through only one means: complete surrender to the Holy Spirit…daily, constantly, every time I open the refrigerator,…go to the pantry, every time I’m at the gym,..reach for the cookie,…yes, even licking the spoon. Why? Because I love Jesus more than I love myself. Radical? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely.
Jennifer Clarke says
Thank you for sharing from your experience, friend. I know God is giving you victory in this area, and I’m so very grateful for your example. Thank you for the resource suggestions, too! I read Made to Crave a few years back, and it struck a chord with me, but I suppose I wasn’t yet ready to pursue faithful stewardship at all costs. I appreciate you so much, Pat – as a reader, as a prayer partner, as a sister in Christ, and as a friend.
Fran says
Jennifer, your words are so true. I have experienced two 21 day fruit and vegetable fasts and know the discipline it takes to stay away from the sugar, unhealthy meats, nutritionless breads, etc. After each fast I’ve returned to my lack of self control and given in to the temptations of foods I shouldn’t be eating. Most people think I am healthy because I am relatively thin, but I know that I have not heeded God’s word to me to steward my body as a holy living sacrifice. Thank you for your reminder and encouragement. Like other commenters above, I appreciate your transparency. You are right. We cannot be the testimony we need to be for God if we cannot even control ourselves. Food has become an addiction rather than a form of nourisment. A lovely friend of mine told me she began to heed God’s word about ten years ago to steward her body as she stewards her money. She is now seventy, looks great and has boundless energy. May God bless your words each day, Jennifer!
Jennifer Clarke says
I’m so grateful for your encouragement, Fran! I, too, have had fleeting successes, but I must admit, it’s overwhelming to consider changing my lifestyle and eating habits permanently. It’s much more manageable to remember that I just need to focus on faithful stewardship right now, in each moment. This choice. Now this choice. Now this choice. I’m glad you shared your friend’s testimony. What an encouragement it is to hear of victories in this area! I will pray that you will experience that same victory.
Angela Randall says
Hi, this isn’t just your testimony… it’s mine too. It is such a straight response to a straight up problem. But the problem isn’t poor self-esteem, as the world would have us believe – like you say… it’s pride, gluttony, laziness… and we don’t even recognise these for what they are. At least I haven’t. Thank you… a timely wake up call. It’s not an easy road, being a Christian. But it’s the only real road ๐
Love your work
Angela
Jennifer Clarke says
Thank you so much for identifying with me so honestly in this battle, Angela. I hope and pray that as more Christ-following women are transparent and humble about this very common issue, we’ll be able to spur each other on toward greater heights of Christ-likeness. May God bless you as you follow hard after Him! Blessings to you!
Kimberly Martin says
Wow! While reading your story it was like I was reading about me! I’ve been going around the same “mountain” for 40 years losing and gaining 35-40lbs. I work so hard to lose the weight only to gain it back again. My emotional state can’t handle it any more. My mind is cloudy. I’m soooo tired all the time. I don’t go out of the house much. I’m just FED UP with myself! I want to check out and just sleep. I feel like such a failure. I post a lot of positive information, but can’t seem to get it right. My sisters don’t know what to say to me cause they’re tall and thin. They think I can just eat less and move more. It’s a lot more than that! It’s a mind set. A spiritual weakness. I read Gods Word everyday. I love Jesus. I want a new life.
Jennifer Clarke says
Thank you so much for taking the time to write such an honest note, Kimberly. My heart identifies with yours in this struggle! God has led me toward some practical steps that have been helpful for me. Perhaps you’ll find them useful, too. You can find them by clicking here. May God grant us a thirst for righteousness that far outweighs our body’s appetites! I hope you’ll stay in touch.
Linda says
These posts/messages are SO VALUABLE to women today….I’ve just finished “Made To Crave” by Lysa TerKeurst and IT IS AWESOME!!! Really makes you realize that you were MADE FOR MORE THAN THE STRUGGLE!!!! “All things are permissible but not all things are beneficial.”
You need to really be ready for a REAL CHANGE in your life or nothing will last…. It seems like more churches/ bible studies, etc. are jumping onboard with this area of gluttony and lack of self-control. I do think it can be a stumbling block to our testimonies …..I lost my daughter 23 months ago and I fell into emotional eating. I’ve always been an emotional eater but that sent me over the top……now I realize (through nothing but the Power of God) how sad God is to see me constantly struggling! We need to take back our God-given authority to conquer these issue with food as they can be so easily dismissed by our society. We need to take responsibility for our lack of self-control and with the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, achieve victory! It’s absurd how Christians will go off on tangents about homosexuality and other issues without considering the sin of gluttony in their own lives.
We need only read about the Fruits of the Spirit to know we need self-control. This is certainly an area of my life of which I would have no success without GOD BY MY SIDE DAILY!!!!! Prayer/Release of Pride/Knowledge of scripture/More Prayer…. and Thanksgiving! These are my truths, I’ve stop buying the lies of satan. I hope you will too
Jennifer Clarke says
I love your zeal, Linda! Thank you so much for sharing your testimony of God’s grace in your life as He is enabling you to conquer self-indulgence. You’re exactly right when you talk about our God-given authority. The same power that raised Christ from the dead is within us! (Ephesians 1:20) I pray that He provides deeper insights into what that power means in our lives, as well as the courage to use it for His glory. Thank you for reading and for sharing!
Mickie says
i certainly hope that I have misunderstood this article. I’m a faithful Christian woman with a slew of health problems. I do everything that I can to eat and live in a healthy manner. I do have a metabolic disorder and losing weight is near impossible for me. I think that God sends the rain on the just and the unjust. Most people will have health issues at one point or another regardless of the fact that they are or are not God fearing. I just don’t think that because some people are gluttons all people carrying a little extra weight should be considered gluttonous. We shouldn’t judge people by their looks only, but by their hearts.
Jennifer Clarke says
Hi, Mickie! I want to truly thank you for reading the post, and for bringing up these issues that troubled you. First, let me say that I’m sorry to hear of your health struggles, and I just took some time to pray for you about them. I appreciate your willingness to allow me to clarify my intention in this post. When I wrote the post, I made a conscientious effort to present it as coming from my own personal experience. I believe many Christian women share my experience, but as you point out, it’s certainly not my place to point out who those women are. To further reinforce that important point, I included this note at the bottom of the post:
“**Please know that this post is written from my personal experience. If the heart issues I address in this post donโt ring true in your own life, please disregard it! Some large people do not struggle with gluttony. Some small people do. Itโs not about size; itโs about our hearts! Beauty does come in many shapes and sizes, and the last thing I want to do is cause any woman to have a negative body image. I simply seek to encourage us all to consider the heart issues that can pertain to this issue.”
I hope this reassures you that we may be in agreement after all. ๐ Thanks again for engaging me in this conversation, and please let me know if you have other questions for me.
Meghan says
I stumbled across this post on Pinterest. I’m down 21 pounds since shortly after the beginning of the year, having started at the heaviest of my life, including incubating three kiddos! These precious words are the words and thoughts of my heart that I’m not sure I’ve explained well to the people in my life. I’ve been more of a gainer than a fluctuator but once I came face-to-face with my sin problem in lacking self control, I couldn’t turn away from it. Jesus has been so faithful every step of the way. Thank you, thank you for writing this. It’s not a weight issue, it’s a heart after Christ issue.
Jennifer Clarke says
Welcome, Meghan! I have to tell you, my friend, that your testimony inspires me so much – and the timing of it is no coincidence! I’ve fallen back into bad habits over the past few months, and just this week have (finally) yielded to the Lord’s conviction and am making better choices again. I’m thankful that even when I’m faithless, God is faithful, and that when we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I’m claiming this cleansing once again! I’ll pray for your continued obedience, and that God will bless you abundantly. I welcome your prayers for me about this, too, should the Lord bring me to your mind. I’m so glad you stopped by, and that you took the time to get in touch!
M says
Hi. I may as well have written that; you’ve expressed exactly what I’ve been wrestling with and it’s exactly where I am right now. Tonight actually, especially. Thank you for writing that and being honest and vulnerable.
Jennifer Clarke says
Hello, M! Thank you for your honesty, and for letting me know that this post resonated with you. This is an ongoing battle for me; please pray for me, as I pray for you. I appreciate your taking the time to stop by and to share your heart!
Barb Shelton says
Your article is absolutely wonderful, Jennifer!!! Very timely for me, as that (original) 35 pounds has now turned into 55 pounds. ๐ Your exact thoughts have been going through *my* heart, mind, and soul, too, and I have some serious repenting and realigning of my heart to do. I’m heading over to your other articles now, and looking forward to the Lord going deeper in me, and getting this issue dealt with once and for all.
Jennifer Clarke says
Barb, thank you so much for your transparency in sharing part of your story here. This is an ongoing battle for me – my “thorn in the flesh,” so to speak – and I’m glad to know we’re sojourning on this path together. Please pray for me, as I will pray for you!
Paris says
Hey! Thank you for this post! I’ve been on a journey to understanding how God expects us to treat our health, and this post was super helpful! God Bless!
Jennifer Clarke says
Hello, Paris, and welcome! I’m so glad the Lord allowed you to stumble into my little corner of the internet. ๐ Thanks for letting me know how this post helped you. I’m prayerfully considering an increased focus on health on my website, so stay tuned!
kimmy Sue says
I have often struggled with “why don’t preachers ever preach on this”? Sitting in a room of obese brethren, I feel too many would be offended or even the preacher is obese as America is so obese. I have too struggled with weight my entire life. I think using food as a comfort in a home that was not so comforting & had many problems & that is a hard habit to break. Life has many twists and turns and I was put on medication that totally took my appetite away & presto there went my weight problem, also I watched a movie, Forks Over Knives and changed the way we ate & I cooked so the desire to sit and eat for no reason is gone. It is really sad to see so many people in the fast food addiction killing themselves with diabetes, high blood pressure & heart attacks etc but sometimes there is enough of a wake up call for them to make the changes, others with cigarettes, sometimes not. We know there was gluttony in bible times, man has always gone to extremes, we are just like this. The homosexual argument you make is not a valid one, they would think of 100 other ways to excuse their sin if it weren’t for fat Christians!It reminds me of in Jesus’ time when they said just show us a sign & we will believe, well all he had been doing was miracles & it was still not enough. Their hearts are not right, people want to do what they want to do and feel like they are fine in doing it. I liked your article, I think self control is something we need to have in all areas of life, & feel your pain in the area of weight control….being a Christian is no easy task but weight control is not the pinnacle of our life, I realized once it wasn’t my daily focus as it once was, I never even noticed it anymore, I still had the same problems in all the other areas of life, being skinny wasn’t the all in all, it’s just an illusion that Satan wants you to think then you will be perfect & have it all…no then you will still have problems & sin & still have a non-perfect life it’s just other things…I still have struggles & plenty of them they’re just called something else now!! Being skinny doesn’t mean problem free like you imagine, it’s a lie!!
Jennifer Clarke says
Hi, Kimmy Sue, and thank you for sharing from your experience. I definitely agree that being a certain weight or a certain size won’t bring fulfillment – our focus should instead be upon the health and well-being of our bodies, gifts from God He expects us to steward well for His glory. To clarify, I wasn’t making a homosexual argument, merely pinpointing an area of hypocrisy in the Church. We’re called to be blameless and above reproach, so when our sin negates our testimony in the eyes of others, that ought to be a grave concern for us. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts!