Favorite Sin

Murder, gluttony, avarice, divorce, or lust... everyone has their own favorite sin. That is not to say that they favor the practice either in their life or around them. It is merely that something has become their soapbox. Now, I do not wish to demean anyone, nor do I wish to make light serious issues whether social or those we label as sin. I am only saying that we have our own passions and callings to ministry in God's Kingdom.

The other day, I was confronted by a letter condemning my own moderate stance on two controversial subjects in the church and world today. These are divisive issues and both sides make arguments which I feel little qualified to debate. Maybe that is a cop out and maybe it points to where I stand theologically. I would rather see it as a defining characteristic of my own ministry.

In Jesus' own ministry among people on this earth, he was quick to point out the flaws in the sinful people he ran into. The woman at the well is a perfect example of one who made several choices which were frowned upon. Yet Jesus ministered to her and His only admonition was to go and sin no more. Outside of the "religeous" people of His day and those who neglected the poor, this was as harsh as our Savior spoke.

In my ministry in the church I deal with hurting people who carry the burden of choices made and often never find that place where they can forgive themselves. By the same token, they believe that God holds some judgment for them as well. I find it difficult to believe that there are so many unparodable sins! Do the Scriptures not say that if we repent, God is faithful to forgive and save? Does God reserve punishment for some?

I wonder if by condemning the sin, we injure the sinner and in particular the one who is close to healing. Can those who need to hear the still small voice of God understand it over the shouts of His people? How can we reserve judgment when God says the it is His?

Until such time that I find myself in another place in my heart and ministry, I will concentrate on helping those who hurt to help them find healing and wholeness. I will speak softly and remember that I serve a Lord who came not to condemn the world, but through Him the world might be saved.