Why is it I always hear these words whenever it seems someone is trying to justify doing something that in their mind they are convinced that the decision or action they are choosing to do is not as bad as the other option and through deductive and inductive reasoning, it’s OK with God.
I mean, after all, I had to decide on something right?
Couldn’t I just decide not to do anything knowing that both are wrong?
To me, it would seem that this is the correct or “Christian” thing to do.
I find it hard to believe Jesus would say, “Well, I’m going choose the less evil thing and just go with it.”
I have also found myself in situations where one believes that an act is as equal as a lifestyle. However, this premise is flawed. If I commit an act, it’s just that— an act—singular.
I can repent and move on, but a lifestyle, on the other hand, is something you willingly choose to repeat over and over again to the point when it is habitual, second nature and in this case, you feel no need to repent because it is a decision you have chosen to live by and have decided that there is nothing to repent for.
Well, that’s fine, but one must know or believe that is if you are professing to be a Christian, there will be a recompense for our deeds; all of those that we have decided don’t merit repentance.
I must always qualify what I say with that statement because some don’t proclaim to be Christian, Christ-like.
There happen to be some passages of scripture that kind of speak to issues like this.
Luke 13:1-9 Amplified Bible (AMP)
13 Just at that time some people came who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate [the governor] had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 Jesus replied to them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans because they have suffered in this way? 3 I tell you, no; but unless you repent change your old way of thinking, turn from your sinful ways and live changed lives], you will all likewise perish. 4 Or do you assume that [b]those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed were worse sinners than all the others who live in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no; but unless you repent [change your old way of thinking, turn from your sinful ways and live changed lives], you will all likewise perish.”
You see, Jesus is explaining that it doesn’t matter how major the sin is, one must repent or things aren’t going to be in your favor on judgment day.
Everybody sins, and if one says they don’t, well…
1 John 1:8-10 Amplified Bible (AMP)
8 If we say we have no sin [refusing to admit that we are sinners], we delude ourselves and the truth is not in us. [His word does not live in our hearts.] 9 If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose]. 10 If we say that we have not sinned [refusing to admit acts of sin], we make Him [out to be] a liar [by contradicting Him] and His word is not in us.
One other thing we must stop saying is “you can’t judge me” when we’ve done something we already know is sinful but we don’t like the fact that someone brings it to our attention.
If I know you have done something wrong or contrary to the Word of God, as a pastor, it is my responsibility to inform you that what you did was just that. I will probably then tell you what the Word of God says with regards to it, and then I’m done. No one can judge sin because it’s already been judged.
I’m also tired of people questioning God when they ask: “If we have been delivered from sin, why is God still judging us?”
I personally choose not to get into discussions like that unless your intentions are genuine and sincere because it’s a waste of my time to give you scripture that explains this just for you to throw it in the trash on your way out.
I will at least give those that are curious this one before closing:
Revelation 22:11-12 Amplified Bible (AMP)
11 Let the one who does wrong, still do wrong; and the one who is filthy (vile, impure), still be filthy; and the one who is righteous (just, upright), still be righteous; and the one who is holy, still be holy.”
12 “Behold, I (Jesus) am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, [a]to give to each one [b]according to the merit of his deeds (earthly works, faithfulness).