The following is a response I gave regarding a note a teenager posted online about their disgust with homosexuality. It seemed that this young person was so disgusted with the events that had taken place on a television show that they decided to vent a little online about their feelings. I think we need to communicate good responses to our young people as they ask questions on how to respond to a sinful word.
Here we go…
Tolerating sin is intolerable to a Christian simply because we see how much it can separates the Christian from the creator. (Chew on that for a second, I’ll still be here when you return.)
Ready to move on? Good.
Sin distances us, the believers, from embracing a closer relationship with Christ. However, to the world (the unsaved), the separation of God is unseen due to the lack of relationship with Christ in their lives. Therefore, in their eyes of the non believer, there is nothing wrong with what they are doing or the acts they embrace (aka homosexuality).
Homosexuality is a sin, true, then again so is lying, stealing, cheating on a test, gossiping, etc. Homosexuality seems to be a “hot topic” sin in the world right now and we have a tendency as Christians to jump on the “hate” bandwagon instead of using the topic presented to show how we all sin and are in need of a Savior (Jesus Christ).
We must focus on using a topic, such as homosexuality, to point out that we all need a Savior who can redeem us from ALL sin. Is homosexuality wrong? Of couse, but so is our lying tougue , our cheating hearts, and our mouths that spread endless gossip about each other.
The non-christian world will always accept sin because they fail to see what a sin is. It is NOT the job of the Christian to point out sin in the lives of the believer, leave the conviction to the Holy Spirit. To the world we must be the image of Christ, the hands and feet, the eyes and ears of Christ. That means that we are to show Christ in all areas of life. Second Timothy chapter three says to “continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of… All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”
Did you catch that?
The scripture is for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.
Therefore, let others see God in your life by demonstrating endless relationships and acts of love. Remember that ALL have fallen short of the glory of God. ALL have sinned. So, let all people see the same love of Christ that He showed you. Let people see that you are a sinner just like they are but you are saved by the grace of GOD. Let people see, that you, like them, are working to eliminate your own person sin that interferes with your relationship with God. Encourage people to eliminate their sin, like you are, so you can both be thoroughly equipped for every good work as brothers and sisters in Christ.
Just food for thought…
-jordan
What you said to that young person was very insightful and thought provoking. I agree wholeheartedly.
I think that homosexuality is a hot topic right now for a number of reasons. One of those reasons is that it illustrates that our country is without a moral compass. A generation ago even non-believers had a moral compass. We could all agree generally about what was right and what was wrong. Homosexuality was considered morally wrong. Now, Christians feel like they are standing alone in a world where morality has been thrown out the window. And we stand in a world where the “left” that “preaches” tolerance, has become very intolerant and even violent against those who believe in Biblical values.
You quoted from II Timothy that Scripture is used for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. Hebrews also tell us that God’s Word is living and active, and sharper than a double edged sword. While I think it of the utmost importance for us to live out our faith for others to see, and that we show Christ’s love (”love the sinner, hate the sin”), I also think that it is imperative for us to let God’s Word work. We must know what it says and we must use it. It is a living word; it speaks to even the hardest of hearts. It is a sword that knows just where to slice!
We need to use it to teach, rebuke, correct, and train, and we must learn to do it in love. Therein is the hard part! It is easy to “preach” and hard to “love”. We must combine the two and let God work.