Don’t Pursue a Path that Contradicts God's Design - Ogunrinde Opeyemi Favour

In this interview, we speak with Ogunrinde Opeyemi

Can we meet you?

Guest: My name is Ogunrinde Opeyemi Favour Favor, popularly known as Illuminator. I'm based in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria and by the grace of God, I lead an interdenominational ministry. Part of my mandate is counseling, and I'm a Christian therapist and counselor. I'm also a writer and author of several books.

I'm the visionary of Kingdom Blazers Network, where we host youth programs online, and we've been running that for six years now. I also pioneer other visions, including the School of Spiritual Growth, an institution that helps believers grow spiritually by feeding them with the Word of God.

Additionally, I founded Light Up Potential Discovery and Nurturing Training Academy, where we help people discover and unveil their potential, and mentor them on how to use their potential to fulfill God's purpose for their lives."

We've had a conversation with you before now in the interview here (link) about Suicide and Depression but today, we are talking gender and sexuality. To begin, can you share what inspired this area of interest and calling to address issues of gender identity and God's design for man and woman?

Guest: Thank you for that question. I've had the privilege of being here before to extensively enlighten people through a detailed interview that was held here two years ago about overcoming suicide. G3C Gracified Christian Counseling Center, an arm of our ministry, deals with issues like this. Every year,  we celebrate our anniversary on the 30th of December, and this year, we're approaching our fourth anniversary. To celebrate each anniversary, we launch a campaign annually to enlighten people and help them overcome various challenges. For instance, two years ago, we had an anti-suicide campaign, last year it was a campaign against addiction, and this year, we're focusing on gender and sexual orientation.

What sparked my interest in this area is the growing number of young people in our community who are struggling to conform to the gender assigned to them at birth. They're trying to be something they're not, and this leads to a stage of questioning their gender identity and sexual orientation. It's a disorder that can lead to further complications if not addressed properly. If this questioning isn't resolved with proper orientation, individuals may graduate into transgender or gay lifestyles, or even act like the opposite gender. We have examples of this in our society, and it's imperative that we help those struggling with these issues.

Last year, the Holy Spirit guided me to focus on this topic for our campaign this year. We've been preparing for months, conducting thorough research and due diligence to ensure we're equipped to address these complex issues. We're committed to providing accurate information, resources, and support to those struggling, and I'm confident that our efforts will make a positive impact."

What do you understand about the concept of God's design for gender and sexuality?

Guest: God's design for gender and sexuality is rooted in His intentional creation of humanity. According to the Bible, God created humans for His pleasure (Revelation 4:11) and made them male and female (Genesis 1:27). This design is based on two distinct genders, male and female, intended for marriage, partnership, and procreation (Genesis 1:28, Genesis 2:24). God's plan is for men and women to come together in marriage, leaving their parents, and becoming one flesh, reproducing after their kind, and giving birth to children. This understanding reflects God's order and purpose for human relationships and identity.

In the beginning, God created humans - male and female (Genesis 1:27-28). This establishes the biblical principle of two distinct genders, created for the purpose of multiplication and reproduction (Genesis 1:28). This principle guides our understanding of gender, emphasizing the importance of embracing our God-given identity as male or female.

Regarding sexuality, Jesus references Genesis 2:24, saying, "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh" (Matthew 19:5). This scripture highlights God's design for marriage, where a man and woman come together in a union, becoming one flesh. This principle guides our understanding of sexuality, emphasizing the importance of monogamous, heterosexual relationships within the context of marriage. Anything outside this design is not in line with God's pattern and structure.

The world often says, "Be who you want to be," while the Bible teaches, "Know who God made you to be." How do we lovingly communicate this truth without sounding judgmental or harsh?

Guest: We must communicate this truth because God is intentional about the creation of humanity. Human beings did not evolve by chance; we were deliberately created by a sovereign God. The Bible says, "He formed man in His own image, male and female, He created them" (Genesis 1:27). This establishes that our creation originates from God, and this truth is evident even to those who are not born again. They acknowledge that there is a Creator.

Our creation is governed by a structure, a design that includes our gender, sexuality, and purpose. When the world says, "Be who you want to be," it implies, "Do what makes you happy, be true to yourself." In contrast, the Bible instructs us to conform to God's ordained design, staying within the parameters of His structure and plan for our lives, including our gender and sexuality.

This is a profound truth. The pursuit of happiness is a universal desire, but it must be surrendered to God's will. We must submit our desires, feelings, and emotions to Him, acknowledging that He is our Creator. We did not create ourselves; God brought us into existence.

As we consider our choices, we must ask: Will this make God happy? The Bible says, "We are created for His pleasure" (Revelation 4:11). God created us for His delight, and He takes joy in our obedience and surrender. If our choices align with His will, we experience true happiness and fulfillment.

In light of this, we should not pursue a path that contradicts God's design. Instead, we should bring every aspect of our lives under the lordship of Christ, acknowledging His sovereignty and wisdom. This means embracing our God-given identity, whether male or female, and living in accordance with His purposes. By doing so, we will find true joy and fulfillment, and our lives will bring pleasure to God.

Surrendering our desires and plans to God's will is important. Instead of asking "Will this make me happy?", ask "Will this make God happy?" If it doesn't align with God's will, it's not worth it.

God wants to be proud of us, and His opinion is what matters most. When we surrender our desires and plans, we're ensuring they align with God's principles and structure. We're checking if our desires draw us closer to God or push us away.

If it brings us closer to God, it'll make God happy. If not, we need to reevaluate. Surrendering to God's will means submitting our desires and plans, even if they're wonderful, to ensure they align with God's purpose.

By doing so, we prioritize God's happiness over our own, and that's where true fulfillment lies.

Many people today are genuinely confused about their gender or feel out of place in their own bodies. From your experience, what do you think fuels this growing struggle with identity?

Guest: A lot of people are genuinely confused about their gender today, and they're questioning their orientation. From a psychological aspect, it's a disorder. However, from a spiritual aspect, it's fair to say it's influenced by demonic forces. Some kinds of psychological distress is not just ordinary and shouldn't be overlooked. Spiritually, anything that doesn't align with God's principles and structure is considered to be from the devil.

For those struggling with gender confusion, they often go through a stage of questioning. Everyone must grow with the right orientation, especially regarding gender and sexual orientation. There are many external influences that support and encourage exploration of these feelings, suggesting that individuals can decide their own gender or orientation.

However, the root of this issue is that everyone who goes through this experience goes through a stage of questioning. If they don't receive the right orientation and guidance, they can become confused for life. That's why it's crucial to provide people, especially children, teenagers, and young adults, with the right understanding and mindset.

God created each person with a specific design and purpose. We must conform to our God-ordained gender, despite our feelings or desires. While it's natural to question and explore, we must do so with the right orientation and principles in mind. If we don't receive the right guidance, we can become trapped in confusion and struggle to break free.

I've dealt with cases and issues where people are trying to help themselves, but they're struggling with desires to explore their gender or orientation. These cases exist in our society and community, even if they're not always openly discussed. If the questioning stage isn't properly resolved, individuals can find themselves trapped and struggling to escape.

What does it mean to question your gender and sexual orientation?

Guest: Questioning your gender refers to the process of exploring and seeking to understand your internal sense of self, which may or may not align with the sex assigned to you at birth. It's a period of self-discovery, where you wonder if your gender identity matches the expectations and norms associated with your assigned sex.

Questioning your sexual orientation involves exploring your emotional, romantic, and sexual attractions. It's a process of seeking to understand your own orientation, whether it's heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, or other. This exploration can be a journey of self-discovery, as you navigate your feelings, desires, and attractions, and seek to understand where you fit in.

Both gender and sexual orientation questioning involve seeking clarity and understanding about your identity and desires. As you navigate this process, it's essential to align your thoughts, feelings, and actions with God's principles and design, as outlined in Scripture. This means seeking guidance from God's Word, prayer, and trusted spiritual leaders, and striving to stay within the boundaries of God's structure and plan for your life. By doing so, you can ensure that your journey of self-discovery is grounded in God's truth and leads to a deeper understanding of His purpose and plan for you.

Sexual Orientation Questioning:

• Experiencing same-sex attractions
• Feeling uncertain about their sexual feelings
• Experimenting with same-sex interactions
• Questioning faith or spirituality due to sexual feelings
• Feeling drawn to the same sex, but trying to suppress it
• Identifying with different sexual orientations (e.g., bisexual, gay, lesbian)

Common Behaviour:

• Researching LGBTQ+ topics
• Discussing feelings with friends or online
• Experimenting with identities or expressions
• Feeling anxious or uncertain about their identity
• Seeking support from trusted individuals

7. (a). What does it really mean to live in alignment with your God-given gender? (b). From a biblical point of view, what does it truly mean to be made "in the image of God," and how does that truth shape our understanding of gender? (c). What is the importance of surrendering our desires and plans to God's will? (d). How do you think God's plan for our lives include our gender and sexuality?

Guest: God wants to be proud of us, and His opinion is what matters most. When we surrender our desires and plans, we're ensuring they align with God's principles and structure. We're checking if our desires draw us closer to God or push us away.

To be created in God's image means to be created in God like nature which makes us partaker of hid nature.

Surrendering our desires and plans to God's will is fulfilling the purpose of our creation because we were created for God's pleasure.

God's plan for our lives encompasses every aspect of who we are, including our gender and sexuality. Genesis 1:27 says, "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." Our gender is part of God's design, and He created us male or female for a purpose.

Psalm 139:13-14 says, "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." God intentionally created us with a specific gender and sexuality, and it's all part of His perfect plan.

Our gender and sexuality are not separate from God's plan; they're integral to who we are and how we live out our purpose. God created us as male or female to fulfill specific roles and purposes, including procreation and building families. Our gender and sexuality are part of God's agenda for us as human beings, and He wants us to honor Him in all aspects of our lives.

Now, I'm not talking about taking sides but in your opinion, where should the Church position itself especially in conversations about transgender identity and sexual orientation? How can we address misconceptions or misunderstandings about God's plan for gender and sexuality?

Guest: The church must stand for the truth and must go back to biblical standard. 

Addressing misconceptions requires us to go back to God's Word, the Bible. We must understand God's original design for humanity, as seen in Genesis 1:27 and 2:24, where He created humans male and female, instituting marriage and the family unit.

We should also examine Jesus' teachings on marriage and gender, such as Matthew 19:4-6, where He affirms the original design. Additionally, we can look at passages like Psalm 139:13-16 and Jeremiah 1:5, which show God's intentional creation and plan for each individual.

When addressing misconceptions, it's essential to approach conversations with empathy, love, and respect, pointing people to Scripture and encouraging them to seek God's truth. We should also pray for guidance and wisdom, recognizing that our role is to share God's Word and let the Holy Spirit do the convicting.

By doing so, we can help people understand God's perfect plan for gender and sexuality, and encourage them to align their lives with His truth.

For families and parents who discover that their child is questioning their gender, how should they respond — in love and in truth?

Guest: For families and parents who discover their child is questioning their gender, it's essential to respond in truth and love. One great support you can give is loving them unconditionally. We must not judge or condemn them, as they already feel condemned by the world. Instead, we should seek to understand them in love and help them see themselves the way God sees them.

Be patient with them as they navigate their journey, and create a supportive environment where they feel valued and loved. Help them understand God's design and plan for their life, and encourage them to seek His truth.

As a parent, applying this principle can make a significant difference. If you see your child struggling with their gender identity, approach them with love, patience, and understanding. Help them see themselves through God's eyes, and be patient with them as they work through their recovery process.

By doing so, you can help your child align with God's plan for their life and find healing and restoration.

Our Society is quick to label Christian perspectives on gender as intolerant. How do we stand firm in God's truth while still reflecting Christ's love?

Guest: Our society may label the Christian perspective on gender as intolerant, but as believers, we must stand firm in God's truth while reflecting Christ's love. Jesus said we're the light of the world, and we must shine brightly in a world filled with darkness (Matthew 5:14).

The Bible says, "For they know not, nor do they understand; they walk on in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are out of course" (Psalm 82:5). The world may not align with God's will, but that's why we're here - to be the light.

We are God's children, and He calls us the light of the world (Psalm 82:6, John 8:12). We must stand for the truth, no matter the ideology. The truth is God's Word: two genders, male and female, and His plan for sexual orientation is between a married man and woman (Genesis 1:27, Matthew 19:4).

We must be loud, unapologetic, and unwavering in our stance. When society labels us as intolerant, it's because they know the truth we stand for. Their perspective shouldn't determine how we live or stand for the truth. We're God's ambassadors, and we must declare, "This is the Word of God, and this is what it is!"

Let's stand firm, shine brightly, and reflect Christ's love, even in the face of opposition.

How do we (believers) create a supportive safe space and community for individuals struggling with and questioning their gender or sexual orientation - to help them open up and find healing, rather than feeling condemned or isolated?

Guest: Creating a supportive community involves accepting, understanding, and loving individuals without judgment. We should encourage them to seek professional help and guide them towards God's truth. Here are some ways to do this:

- Accept and love them for who they are

- Avoid judgment and condemnation

- Encourage them to seek help from professionals

- Be patient and understanding

- Guide them towards God's Word and principles

- Help them see themselves as God sees them

At G3C, we help individuals see themselves through God's eyes, without judgment. We're intentional about guiding them towards their God-ordained gender and purpose, with patience and love. Our approach is to:

- Offer help and support

- Be patient and understanding

- Guide them towards God's truth

- Help them conform to their God-ordained gender

- Make them feel valued and loved

We're here to support them , and to let them know that they are not alone.

What role does counselling and therapy play in helping individuals walk through the recovery and healing process?

Guest: Counselling and therapy play a vital role in helping individuals walk through their recovery and healing process. It's essential to recognize the importance of seeking professional help, just as we would seek medical attention for physical ailments.

As the body of Christ, we should create a safe and non-judgmental space for people to come and receive help, even if they've made mistakes or are struggling with certain issues. Approaching sensitive matters with wisdom and discernment is crucial, seeing individuals through the lens of God's love and acceptance, rather than their mistakes or circumstances.

Counselling and therapy provide a secure environment for people to open up, feel heard, and receive guidance. These processes help individuals heal, restructure their mindset, and shift their focus to God's truth and plan for their lives.

Christian counselling, in particular, helps people see themselves as God sees them, retraining their minds and refocusing their thoughts on God's Word. This process brings healing, freedom, and a deeper understanding of their identity and purpose in Christ.

By embracing counselling and therapy, we can support individuals in their journey towards recovery, wholeness, and a stronger faith.

What encouragement and practical steps would you give to someone struggling to accept their God-given gender or their sexual orientation, as well as people who feel trapped in confusion about who they are?

Guest: You're loved by God, and your struggles don't define His love for you. God has a plan for your life, and it includes your gender and sexuality. He's calling you back to His original design, and it's not too late to get it right with Him.

Go back to the Bible and search out God's intention for your gender and sexuality. Seek help from Christian counselors who understand God's perspective and can guide you towards His truth. At G3C, we're here to support you with patience, love, and acceptance, helping you see yourself through God's eyes.

You can do this! God's plan is perfect, and He wants you to experience His best for you. Seek professional support, surround yourself with trusted believers, and pray for guidance. You're not alone, and there's hope for a brighter future aligned with God's will.

Finally, how can the Body of Christ continue to intercede, support, and walk alongside people on their journey of rediscovering their true identity in God?

Guest: The body of Christ is indeed the ambassador of Christ, and we're called to shine as lights in the world, spreading hope and truth. Our mission is to love, accept, and support individuals, guiding them towards God's truth and reality.

By creating a supportive community, we can help people feel valued, loved, and accepted, just as God sees them. We'll encourage them to open up, share their struggles, and discover their true identity in Christ.

Let's continue to pray, intercede, and love unconditionally, avoiding judgment and condemnation. Instead, we'll focus on sharing God's truth, echoing His love, and revealing His perfect plan for their lives.

Together, we'll fulfill our mission, lighting up the world, restoring hope, and spreading happiness. We'll walk alongside individuals, helping them understand their identity in God and embracing their true selves.

By doing so, we'll reflect Christ's love, demonstrating God's heart for humanity. Let's be patient, compassionate, and gracious, creating a safe space for people to encounter God's love and truth.