We Talk About Love, But Not About Sin

Today in our counselor meeting we continued to read through 1 John. 

"And now, dear children, remain in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame."

We've been spending time in 1 John since the beginning of this summer because our staff began talking about how they appreciated the cut and dry nature of the letter.  The way John writes of following Jesus is in a very black and white sort of manner.  Especially when it comes to sin.  The way mainstream conversations have been moving in the Christian culture as of late has made the water murky on sin, but crystal clear on love.

Sin is one of those words we don't talk about much anymore.  (See Scot McKnight's article in Relevant Magazine titled, "Why Nobody Talks About Sin Anymore").  We've become a culture that likes to focus more on love, acceptance, and forgiveness.  It makes sense because we are largely swinging the pendulum from another audience out there that calls Christians haters, close-minded, and judgmental.

But when you swing the pendulum to the other end of the spectrum and only talk about love, you're left with the same problem.  You are broadcasting another imbalanced message.  You've just swung to the other extreme. 

Nobody likes to talk about sin and consequence anymore because it doesn't sound or fit right with our obsession with GOD's love.  The result is that we are seeing students take their sin for granted.  They are banking on cheap grace and as a result do not understand why they are living mediocre lives for Christ.  They are stuck in sin and see no problem with that.

The image brought to mind by the passage this morning was a litmus test for me to think about my life as a follower of Jesus.  If Jesus were to arrive on the scene today,  would you be "full of courage" and race to join his side or would you cower away and "shrink back from him in shame"?

It's a good question to ask yourself in a culture that continually diminishes the importance of living holy and free from sin.

Comments

[Sickler]

Good post, Luke.