Christians extol marriage and close human relationships, but often we put too much emphasis on those bonds. We communicate that if you don’t find the right person you will never be happy, never be truly fulfilled. Biblically speaking, this is not really the case. What people need is a genuine relationship with God.
This was brought to my mind by an article in Christianity Today magazine.
It was about a student at my alma mater, Wheaton College. It is considered America’s premier Christian college and is very conservative – and expensive. Like many other Wheaton students, Tyler Streckert grew up in a conservative Christian home. But from an early age he realized there was something different about him, something he couldn’t talk about.
On an afternoon in April of 2013, he posted a piece of paper on Wheaton’s communal forum board. It is sort of a noteboard for the whole college. Tyler’s note said he was a male who was attracted to other males, and he struggled with anxiety and depression. He had prayed to be changed to straight, but it hadn’t happened after eight years. He said he still loved God, and wanted to be open and honest with everyone.
Tyler wasn’t sure what to expect from his note, but he soon found out. Every response was positive. No one expressed hate. He was rather surprised by this. Even a very conservative professor reached out and Tyler said it was a wonderful witness to Jesus’ love and mercy.
Tyler has made a commitment to be celibate. He knows the Bible condemns the practice of homosexuality. But the Bible, in Genesis 2:18, also says it is not good for anyone to be alone, and he knows he needs love and connection to other humans like everyone else. He wants a genuine connection with Christians and a true love for God.
Everyone wants to bond with other humans. But Tyler also has what Mary Magdalene had – a relationship with Jesus that transcends human marriage and friendship.
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Adapted by David Holwick from the article “Coming Out at Wheaton College,” by Tyler Streckert, Christianity Today , June 2016, p. 63.