Church and Sin

[Living4Him03]

I was wondering if anyone else feels this same way...sometimes I have missed church because I felt bad about a sin I had committed during the week or even the day before. For example, this Sunday. It's almost like I just don't want to face everyone because it seems like they don't sin! lol...I know everyone does, but sometimes the people at my church are kind of sheltered it seems or something. They just don't seem to be too compassionate about people who have made mistakes. I didn't even want to face them today ...I almost feel like others can see that I've sinned big time! Even when I have been forgiven and have cleared the slate with God, it is still hard for me to go to church and be around everyone and not just feel like a big failure.

 

[Astronaut]

I was wondering if anyone else feels this same way...sometimes I have missed church because I felt bad about a sin I had committed during the week or even the day before. For example, this Sunday. It's almost like I just don't want to face everyone because it seems like they don't sin! lol...I know everyone does, but sometimes the people at my church are kind of sheltered it seems or something. They just don't seem to be too compassionate about people who have made mistakes. I didn't even want to face them today ...I almost feel like others can see that I've sinned big time! Even when I have been forgiven and have cleared the slate with God, it is still hard for me to go to church and be around everyone and not just feel like a big failure.

You're going to the wrong church. It is impossible for a church community to be engaging in authentic fellowship without it being plainly evident that each person has problems and is not put together. If all the people in the church appear to be "white," they are probably white-washed tombs. These days I will never assume that anybody is more "holy" or "righteous" than I am.

I don't attend church (me and God have a special relationship that way) -- I have left the church because I have found so little grace there. But last night I went to an inner-city United Methodist church with a major outreach to the city's homeless. I have rarely felt as at-home in church as I did then. There, I could be myself, be real, and let it all hang out.

But what you're describing is a common complaint and is a serious problem. Communion is for sinners, church should be a hospital for sinners. Instead it seems to be a social club for self-righteous hypocrites, each of whom is hoping, like you, that the rest of us won't be able to see your blackened soul when we look at your eyes.

 

[Astronaut]

Please be gracious to me.

 

[fishstix]

I was wondering if anyone else feels this same way...sometimes I have missed church because I felt bad about a sin I had committed during the week or even the day before. For example, this Sunday. It's almost like I just don't want to face everyone because it seems like they don't sin! lol...I know everyone does, but sometimes the people at my church are kind of sheltered it seems or something. They just don't seem to be too compassionate about people who have made mistakes. I didn't even want to face them today ...I almost feel like others can see that I've sinned big time! Even when I have been forgiven and have cleared the slate with God, it is still hard for me to go to church and be around everyone and not just feel like a big failure.

I think it is fairly common for people to want to hide after they sin. That's exactly what Adam and Eve did in the Bible - they tried to hide from God because they felt ashamed. But that really isn't the best way to react to sin - and is probably exactly the way that Satan wants us to react when we sin. If a rift opens up between us and God or between us and other Christians then we are like a crippled animal separated from the herd - lots easier for a predator to pick off. So even though you may feel like you need to hide from other Christians so that they won't see your faults, don't give in to those feelings. Keep going to church and keep getting the Christian fellowship that we all need.

If your church really won't accept you, then find a different one that will. But it is possible that the people in your church will be more understanding than you think if you give them a chance.

 

[JPPT1974]

I sin too and feel like I need to hide not just from the public but from God as well. But of course, we can't hide from God. I look at it like this. Face it, Trace it, and Erase it. Asking and repenting to God and asking for his forgiveness.

 

[aReformedPatriot]

You're going to the wrong church. It is impossible for a church community to be engaging in authentic fellowship without it being plainly evident that each person has problems and is not put together. If all the people in the church appear to be "white," they are probably white-washed tombs. These days I will never assume that anybody is more "holy" or "righteous" than I am.

Everybody is at different levels of developement within the church. Some will view some a certain way and right or wrong they are going to grow.

I don't attend church (me and God have a special relationship that way)

With all due respect, this is an arrogant comment. We all have a personal relationship to Christ but there is a group standard he sets us to.

-- I have left the church because I have found so little grace there.

Hebrews 10:25ff. You cannot rightly choose not to goto church. You have a responsibility to be a good witness to our brethren and correct them if you see them doing something wrong. Church isnt you centered which is what your telling us, rather the focus of church is on other people (read hebrews 10:25 and see if thats correct). Treat others better than yourself as scripture says, the "special relationship" you have is a fallacy at least in this context. By depriving others of your grace are you really serving them? Are you exhorting them to good works? Are you worshipping with them? I say this not to attack you but help you.

But last night I went to an inner-city United Methodist church with a major outreach to the city's homeless. I have rarely felt as at-home in church as I did then. There, I could be myself, be real, and let it all hang out.

Im glad you found fellowship where it can be about you. Christ called us to be like him and he always went to the sick and lost which these "white washed tombs" maybe. Reach out to them in love I encourage you. teach them about this grace you espouse rather than let others reside in darkness.

But what you're describing is a common complaint and is a serious problem. Communion is for sinners, church should be a hospital for sinners. Instead it seems to be a social club for self-righteous hypocrites, each of whom is hoping, like you, that the rest of us won't be able to see your blackened soul when we look at your eyes.

Amen, are you a nurse of Christ? Do you minister to the hypocrites so that they may be healed?


Can't comment on this, as I dont know. You ever notice how you have a better perspective on someone because you can see things from outside their box? How some people are blinded to it? The bolded section is a testimony of yourself (through this post) but perhaps you just cant see it.

Secondly, grace cannot be demanded. God gives his grace freely and so should we (Eph 2:8-9), that is if we are to mimic God.

Love ya,

Mark

 

[aReformedPatriot]

I was wondering if anyone else feels this same way...sometimes I have missed church because I felt bad about a sin I had committed during the week or even the day before. For example, this Sunday. It's almost like I just don't want to face everyone because it seems like they don't sin! lol...I know everyone does, but sometimes the people at my church are kind of sheltered it seems or something. They just don't seem to be too compassionate about people who have made mistakes. I didn't even want to face them today ...I almost feel like others can see that I've sinned big time! Even when I have been forgiven and have cleared the slate with God, it is still hard for me to go to church and be around everyone and not just feel like a big failure.

I totally feel ya sometimes. God's grace is awesome though and you should rejoice in that. I struggle with sin too and when I enter into public worship i feel like a dirty hypocrite. We should remember that Paul instructs us to indeed judge our brothers while God judges the lost. However or judgement isnt to condemn but to restore in love. The fact that you feel shame is good, the fact that the church views your sin as shame is good. No sin should be taken in stride. However a gentle loving restoration is in order. No one is above the mark. No one is perfect. Sometimes i think its our own self conciousness that thinks people havent forgiven us. Ever experiance that?

The other day I kept thinking "God hates me....God hates me..." but thats a lie, he is ever patient and forgiving. He will help me walk the path and use my brethren at church to do so. So no, dont skip church.

 

[Sketcher]

I was wondering if anyone else feels this same way...sometimes I have missed church because I felt bad about a sin I had committed during the week or even the day before. For example, this Sunday. It's almost like I just don't want to face everyone because it seems like they don't sin! lol...I know everyone does, but sometimes the people at my church are kind of sheltered it seems or something. They just don't seem to be too compassionate about people who have made mistakes. I didn't even want to face them today ...I almost feel like others can see that I've sinned big time! Even when I have been forgiven and have cleared the slate with God, it is still hard for me to go to church and be around everyone and not just feel like a big failure.

That happens to everybody, though. I've sinned during the week and skipped church and/or felt sick because of the shame.

How well do you know these people? They could be ultra-judgemental, or it could just be Satan pulling a trick on you.

 

[Stanfi]

I was wondering if anyone else feels this same way...sometimes I have missed church because I felt bad about a sin I had committed during the week or even the day before. For example, this Sunday. It's almost like I just don't want to face everyone because it seems like they don't sin! lol...I know everyone does, but sometimes the people at my church are kind of sheltered it seems or something. They just don't seem to be too compassionate about people who have made mistakes. I didn't even want to face them today ...I almost feel like others can see that I've sinned big time! Even when I have been forgiven and have cleared the slate with God, it is still hard for me to go to church and be around everyone and not just feel like a big failure.

I haven't read through all the posts, but I do want to say this. When you have sinned is not the time to be missing chruch. That is what Satan wants, to seperate us from God. Sin seperates us from God. You need to find your way to an alter of prayer, and as God's forgivenss of your sins, do not let it go! As soon as you are convicted, ask forgiveness. Be thankful that you are a child of the King, and the blood of Christ washes us clean!

If their are people in your church who are judging you, then they need to be at an alter praying right beside you! "Let Him who has No Sin cast the first stone." Jesus Christ is the only perso who ever walked this world without sin.

 

[growingupinhim]

well youre not alone..sin brings shame and thats a price of it..but dont let it keep you from your family of brethen..if God has forgiven you, and he dwells in you then you are forgiven..we all make mistakes..the best thing is to have a heart to love God by hating sin. May you get back this week, and love on your church family..make a effort to love all the brethen!

 

[JPPT1974]

Sin brings shame as well as also "filfth". Just repent of your sins and ask for forgiveness. And ask God to cleanse your heart and soul.

 

[Astronaut]

You cannot rightly choose not to goto church.

I am not a big fan of organized religion. I am not a fan of religion, period. (Neither was Jesus). Instead of being a religious person, I am a follower of Christ and a lover of God. I love Voltaire's quote: "The first pastor was the first sly rogue who met the first fool." So, I don't go to church, but I rejoice in God's promise that: "Where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am!" This can happen at a public park, a martini bar, or a street corner.

Paul instructs us to indeed judge our brothers while God judges the lost.

Actually, this is what Paul says: "I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court. I don't even judge myself. I don't feel I have done anything wrong. But that doesn't mean I'm not guilty. The Lord judges me. So don't judge anything before the appointed time. Wait until the Lord returns. He will bring to light what is hidden in the dark. He will show the real reasons why people do what they do. At that time each person will receive praise from God."

The fact that you feel shame is good, the fact that the church views your sin as shame is good.

I disagree. I think that Christian feelings of shame are generally not helpful when Christ has taken all of the shame on himself. Christian feelings of shame are a twisted egocentricity. They spend so much time focusing on themselves and their weaknesses, they have little time or inclination to look outward. I sin constantly, but I keep my chin up, look toward the horizon, and live in a joyous and uninhibited way, without giving quarter to feelings of guilt or shame. I don't like my sin, and I try to overcome it, but it doesn't phase me at all.

 

[aReformedPatriot]

Actually, this is what Paul says: "I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court. I don't even judge myself.

I had something all long and written out and I lost it . Because Im lazy I shall just respond to the above:

Paul too says,

1Co 5:12 For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge?
1Co 5:13 God judges those outside. "Purge the evil person from among you."

So either 2 chapters later Paul contradicts himself or his record of ministry is so spotless that false judgment brought on by his detractors (who he mentions in 2 corinthians) makes no difference to him because he knows he has done rightly in the sight of God. When we apply basic hermeneutics to these 2 passages we can see that there is a time/place and right way to judge each other and there is a wrong way. Inside the church, yes the Corinthian Church was organized, as well as house churches. Each one independant but structured, were to judge those inside the church and to purge the evil from among them.

I think its unfortuante that you wouldnt share your gifts with a larger body, but 2-3 will suffice even though there is an implication of a larger body. I hope greatly that you are out there making disciples for the kingdom and serving God.

In Christ,
Mark

 

[aReformedPatriot]

.

 

[waterbear]

My attitude towards organized religion is comprable to Astronaut's, although I would never describe myself as uninhibited - that seems too hedonistic.

As to the OP, it is your choice to let other's judgements matter. If you don't know a person well, why should you worry how he/she judges you? Even if his/her values are like yours, how is he/she doing at implementing these values? Assuming that another person is implementing your values better than you I would think will usually amount to faith/trust misplaced.

 

[Tenorvoice]

Hey there Living, First off I wish to send you Blessings from in Virginia.

Something like this kind of happend to a Deacon in the Church that I attend recently. Every week before the Offering is colected we have on of the Deacons go up and pray for service and the offerings. Well this certian week was for one of our oldest deacons to Pray, and he really did not fell that he was worthy to pray for the service that week because of the things that had happened that morning. But the Holy Spirit spkoe to him and told him that he really needed to get what happened to him off of his checst. So what did he do? He proceded to tell the entire congregation what had happened, how he had sinned and that he did not feel worthy that day.

At the end of the service and throughout the rest of the day, he had about 3/4 of the congregation either thank him for his honesty of call to tell him.

Basically what I am trying to say is that you are a part of a Family, that loves you my sister. You have no reason to feel ashamed to be around them. That is nothing more than your old self trying to get you down again. If the church that you attend does not feel like a true Christian family or treat you like family then I would sugest finding a Bible beliving, teaching, Church that does.

There is nothing worse to me than to hear of a church that is full of nothing but "cold water" Christians.

Peace and Joy in the Lord Always.
God Bless

 

[Tenken]

There are good sides to organized religion (provided that it IS the right religion). Having a group of people who support each other in their walk, is like having a bunch of matchsticks that are harder to break, or like having a bunch of torches that will not go out in case one extinguishes. If you go alone, you will be more vulnerable to fall into Satan's temptations, and even if you have a strong flame, your fire will eventuall go out against the tides of darkness. I feel that as a Christian, I'm responsible to rekindle my brethens' flames too. I dunno if the imagery makes sense.

So back to the OP, it's more beneficial to confide your sins to a few trusted "family" members at Church, so that they can pray for you and help you to overcome it. And when you've overcome it, you can witness to others as well. I'm sure there are others at your church who can relate to your sins, and by witnessing to them, you've shown them that you have completely overcome it and help others with your experience, so that they can be free from living in their guilt. I just hope that your church is not full of self-righteous egocentric people.

 

[JPPT1974]

Im more of a spiritual and Christ-like person than I am religious because I do tend to follow where God leads me. Because whatever he says and does goes and rules. No ands, ifs, nor buts!

 

[Astronaut]

My attitude towards organized religion is comprable to Astronaut's, although I would never describe myself as uninhibited - that seems too hedonistic.

If God wanted us to have pleasure (hedonism), why did he give us such an enormous capacity for pleasure – our brains are juicy pleasure organs, not guilt machines. The divine doesn’t talk to us in terms of duty and effort – it whispers peacefully to us of fulfilling our deepest longings and desires.

 

[waterbear]

If God wanted us to have pleasure (hedonism), why did he give us such an enormous capacity for pleasure – our brains are juicy pleasure organs, not guilt machines. The divine doesn’t talk to us in terms of duty and effort – it whispers peacefully to us of fulfilling our deepest longings and desires.

Philospher's sometimes distinguish between two types of positiveness: happiness and sensual pleasure. Happiness is the postiveness associated with accomplishing a goal, creating something, learning something, etc. Sensual pleasure is the positiveness associated with eating, smelling, thrills, etc. Happiness is almost always addictive - happiness begets more happiness. Sensual pleasure is immediate and typically has no long term benefits (smelling something nice) or causes long-term harm (eating junk food). Ergo I try to experience everything as happiness, not pleasure. I don't experience guilt when I experience pleasure, if I do something that I think was non-ideal I note it and determine how to correct the behavior. Making a decision solely on the basis that it will give me pleasure is not something I permit - I see most people as suffering from pleasure-addictions and I've been happier since I broke my addiction.

As for the origin of sensual pleasure, I personally believe that humans evolved and sensual pleasure is simply the reward any animal would receive for proper evolutionary behavior. Thus to act largely in accordance with sensual pleasure - to me - is to act largely like an animal. Sensual pleasure is the voice of the flesh in the mind, not the spirit.