Why do we love other people’s sin?
Just a few minutes ago the Supreme Court ruled in favor of
same sex marriage. For folks who have
been paying attention, the ruling is not surprising. In just a few minutes, issue based prophets
will be railing about the real and impending consequences for our churches, our
country and the world.
As I await a wild weekend or political discourse I am both
amused and alarmed at our fascination with other people’s sin.
Why is it that the actions of less than 2% of the population
causes the local church to clench their collective fists and shake their
balding heads with disgust and alarm?
One reason, perhaps, is that our love of other people’s sin
diverts our attention from our own sin.
Imagine if the local church in America was as disgusted and
alarmed by the fact that less than 3% of followers of Jesus give sacrificially
to their local church or nonprofit organizations.
Imagine if the local church in America was as disgusted and
alarmed by the fact that here is no statistical difference between the “sex
lives” of unmarried secular people and
unmarried followers of Jesus.
Imagine if the local church in America was as vocal about
the plague of pornography, a silent killer, which is unlike anything the church
has ever experienced.
A plague, which is robbing the spiritual strength of
countless men and women who will fill the pews this Sunday. Folks who will, no
doubt, call for prayer for our country in light of the “godless decision of the
Supreme Court.”
A plague, which is the root cause of the trend of young men
choosing to delay or avoid a relationship with women that will lead to
marriage.
My prayer is for the local church to funnel its concern for
the moral condition of our country into a season of personal reflection, which
leads to repentance.
My prayer is for the local church to funnel its concern for
the moral condition of our country into an action plan that begins with a
commitment of our lives to personal holiness, self-discipline and simplicity.
My prayer is for the local church to funnel its concern for
the moral condition of our country into a sobering realization that most, if
not all, of the “sinners” around us have never heard a meaningful and personal
presentation of the temporal and eternal blessings associated with walking with
Jesus in faith.
The fact is, we love other people’s sin because it allows us
to never have time to focus and address our own personal sin. Apart from the promises in God’s Word about
His faithfulness, His plan and His purposes, I would be very pessimistic.
Let us pray the historic decision of the Supreme Court on
Friday, June 25th 2015 will be the day the local church in America
humbles themselves, repents and rises up to be the force we have been called to
be.
