Nathaniel, the main character in this story was not trapped in a literal closet but the expression is a metaphor of the reality of the condition of his entire existence. Actually, it is the story of us all; all are born trapped in the closet of sin until God sends His Word by His Spirit to empower us to come out. Again, this “coming out the closet” is not like how the world describes it, where it is an expression of being emboldened in rebellion and a false sense of freedom. Instead, it is one of true redemption which is accessed through repentance when we realize that the salvation of Jesus Christ is the only true key to unlock the doors of our captivity.
It’s also important that as Christians, having experienced this “coming out”, we don’t become judgemental but have compassion on those who are yet to do the same. They really cannot help themselves. Matter of fact, if anyone could, then it would imply we do not need God or the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Back to the story:
Nathaniel is a young man who had been molested by a male relative at a tender age and had grown up struggling with his sexuality and issues surrounding it. He knew he needed help, and so, in his desperation, he visited his school’s guidance counsellor, who set a date for them to discuss the matter privately. At the appointed time, however, Nathaniel wilfully skipped the session. Nevertheless, his guidance counsellor found him and set another appointment, despite the fact that Nathaniel was not looking forward to keeping it. One night, he reluctantly visited a youth meeting at his church only because his parents had insisted. He decided he would go and endure the service, as he had repeatedly rebuffed previous invitations from the youth leader to attend.
This particular meeting turned out to be like no other as the speaker shared about God’s love, eventually disclosing that as a youngster he had been sexually abused by a relative and had consequently grown up hateful and bitter. He further shared how he had become a homosexual and the shame and guilt he experienced for many years. This, he said, changed after he faced up to how he had been handling his sexuality, accepted God’s perspective of sex, and forgave the family member who had abused him. Nathaniel was stunned to discover someone had had a similar experience to his and could relate to what he was undergoing.
The speaker continued to say that God loved all men equally, including homosexuals, although He hated what they were doing, as it was a perversion of the beautiful gift of sex which He had created for married people (male and female) to share their love. He added that violence against homosexuals was unlawful and wrong in the sight of God. And that because all men were born sinful, each of us has the propensity to do all manner of evil, based on our socialization, family traits and tradition, or our own negative experiences in life. This answered a question Nathaniel had asked for years.
The message progressed with a charge of truth to the youth that God offers forgiveness and a fresh start to everyone who has sinned, irrespective of what they have done. Because God loves people, He willingly forgives murderers, extortionists, liars, homosexuals, and
thieves alike, as long as they are sincerely repentant. Finally, the speaker offered prayers for those who needed help and were struggling with different issues. As Nathaniel made his way to the altar, he was surprised to see that so many young persons had similarly responded to the call.
For the first time in his life, he found himself pouring out his heart to God, telling Him how he felt, then asking forgiveness for all the wrong things he had ever said, done, or thought. The moment he made a commitment to surrender his life to God, he felt a freedom he had never experienced before. Now he desired a heart-to-heart talk with his parents, who were never aware of what had happened to him as a child and the struggles he had had with his sexuality. As he thought about the wonderful and loving dad he had, he found faith in his heart to share his entire experience.
Nathaniel took one of the minister’s cards which were issued for those who felt the need for further counselling and decided he would call the following day. A meeting with the youth director and two visiting counsellors was the next step, the minister said, and although Nathaniel felt uncomfortable about sharing with the youth director, the more he thought about it, the more he felt that he was doing the right thing. The session was so successful that he affirmed his interest in continuing the counselling at the church.
Following three more sessions with the team, Nathaniel began to see even more clearly what had happened to him and started facing his fears, guilt, and the anger that he had towards himself. Additionally, he realised that although he had never acknowledged it, he had harboured resentment towards his older uncle who had introduced him to homosexual movies and sexual touches when he was a child.
He had also despised the young man who had spread rumours at school about him being sexually involved with the president of his community youth club, who was known to be gay.
Regrets flooded Nathaniel’s mind when he considered how he had resisted help from so many persons who really cared about him, including his father, whom he often called “the best dad in the world.” On that list, too, was his school’s guidance counsellor. Acknowledging the many times he had avoided her, Nathaniel decided to pay her a visit as soon as he returned to school.
He saw that all his rebellion, including the times he had refused to return the calls of the youth director and resisted attending youth meetings, was a testimony of his stubborn captivity. But now he felt free! Through Jesus Christ, he had found forgiveness and freedom and the power to do what was right!
“Escape from the Closet” is a true story (partially amended to preserve identity). It ‘s writers, Andrew and Donnette Norman are founders of Passion and Purity, a school-based Christian ministry. Commentary was added by Passion and Purity’s writing team.
