When I write about sexual sins, someone inevitably reminds me that gossip, slander, or self-righteousness are also sins.(1)
When I write about gossip, slander, or self-righteousness, no one ever reminds me that homosexuality and premarital sex are also sins.
I’m concerned about this defensive attitude toward culturally acceptable sins. Why are we bending to culture and acting as if it's wrong to mention some sins but not others?(2)
God's commands are loving. He hates sin because it damages our hearts and souls.
He hates sexual sin because it does serious damage:
"Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body."
And it's especially serious for Christians:
"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own..." 1 Corinthians 6:18-19
Let's quit defending culturally approved sins and start defending God's loving commands.
--------------
(1) All Sins are Not the Same.
One of our problems comes from the un-Scriptural notion that "all sins are the same in God's eyes." We need to study our Bibles and discover that even though every sin has earthly and eternal consequences, those consequences are not equal.
See "Lies Some Christians Believe: All Sins are the Same."
(2) Culture Doesn't Approve Gossip, Slander, or Self-righteousness.
In fact, there are laws against slander. The fact that culture approves homosexuality, premarital sex, transgenderism, and abortion makes us more responsible to speak up for God's truth, not less responsible! To keep silent is hateful.
See "Hate Crimes: 4 Biblical Principles."
If you become defensive about sexual sin, you are becoming lukewarm! Beware!!
ReplyDeletelove this!! There is a fb page called The Activist Mommy and she says much of this- essentially that we need to be the salt and light in this world. You might wanna check her out.
ReplyDeleteI benefit from your blogs. God Bless !
ReplyDeleteI'm sharing this Note especially today... after the Oscars!
ReplyDeleteWow. This is something I've said in the past trying to get people to understand that all sin is against God. But when you put it in perspective of child rape and gossip? Wow, I know that I've come up short. God forgive me. Thankyou for your message. It's something I'll endeavor to rectify this in future as God brings opportunity to share His gospel. Thanks again. Debbee
ReplyDeleteInteresting point... I don't think folks are defending sins. Rather, it is my humble opinion that they are trying to prevent us from becoming like the pharisees who thought their sins didn't smell like the gentiles... when it comes to sexual sins/immorality, we shouldn't single out people or groups especially when the root of the sin is lust.. no one is immuned to lust regardless of whom you have sex with. And contrary to what you said, I deeply believe that in the eyes of God all sins are equal.. he didn't suffer or die more for some sins compared to others. Let that sink in.. and we need to beware and not allow the devil to deceive us that way. Let's eradicate sin in its entirety and stop looking to other people's sins as an indication of how much more they need Christ for we all need Him the same. We all deserve love and grace from God first and neighbor. ����❤��
ReplyDeleteHi rjrx,
DeleteYou said that you don’t think people defend their sins.
I hear it all the time.
God says, “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body” (1 Cor. 6:18) but many people downplay serious sexual sins by saying things like “no one is immune to lust regardless of whom you have sex with.”
Even though Scripture clearly tells us that God judges sins differently according to Motive (Numbers 15:22-31; Luke 12:47-48), Knowledge and opportunity (Luke 12:48; John 19:11), Position and influence (James 3:1; Mark 12:38-40), Type of sin (Exodus 21:12; 22:1; 1 Corinthians 6:18; Matthew 18:6-7; Matthew 12:31; 23:23), people often claim that they “deeply believe that in the eyes of God all sins are equal.”
Even though Scripture commands us to teach others Biblical commands and to help them turn from their sins: (Matthew 18:15: "If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back." ~ James 5:19-20: "My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, 20 you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back from wandering will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins.") people like to call those who obey these commands “Pharisees.” Some go so far as to claim that we are deceived by the devil and “need to stop looking at other people’s sins.”
Maybe you haven’t heard people defending their sins like this, but I hear it all the time.