Today, we had a great discussion that started when I mentioned this post If I Have Gay Children: Four Promises From A Christian Pastor/Parent by John Pavlovitz.
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Revelation 21:8 says this:
But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. (NASB)
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. (KJV)
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Christians are notorious for focusing on a handful of sins, while ignoring other sins the Bible mentions and is equally detestable to God. In the verse above, a number of things are mentioned but Christians rarely (if ever), target those topics.
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In Matthew 7:3, Jesus has this to say:
Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? (NASB)
And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? (KJV)
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I believe that’s what’s happening in the world today. Many Christians are trying to eradicate certain sins that they can’t personally stand, while conveniently ignoring the fact that they are just as sinful as the people they’re pointing fingers at and condemning to hell.
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Sin is sin, no matter which sin it is. Sin is disobedience to God. If God says its wrong (whatever IT is), then it’s wrong.
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Many Christians tend to focus on sexual immortality, but don’t want to face the fact that while they may not be living a sexually immoral lifestyle, they may be living in some other habitual sin, like lying or some immoral behaviour. Notice that unbelief is mentioned in the list above! I don’t care who you are how long you have been a Christian, but each one of us have struggled with unbelief and will struggle with it at some point in the future!
As Christians, we must realise that Christ had done all that needs to be done to cleanse us and that we can now live an awesome life IN HIM. If you don’t live in Christ, then you will sin and that too, habitually.
In the same way, let’s not focus on the sins of others, but instead, pray for them and in our words, actions and attitude, in our life, reflect what Jesus has done and is doing. Preaching the Word is important, but evangelising isn’t about vomiting Scripture verses or winning debates/arguments. The Holy Spirit will tell us when it’s right to preach, but if we let Him, He will always help us live in Christ.
Let’s reflect what it means to have Christ, rather than play God, condemn people for their sins and cause them to hate Jesus and turn away from Him.
To reflect what it means to have Christ, we must be in Christ and remain in Him. Without a personal relationship with Jesus, we ourselves are in danger of being rejected by Him.
Don’t believe me?
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In Matthew 7:23, Jesus declares:
Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’ (NASB)
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (KJV)
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Don’t be a hypocrite. Remain in Christ. Rely on the Holy Spirit. Reflect Jesus in your life. Rejoice in your salvation.
God bless you.
