Tired of hearing. . .

[Unnamed Servant]

Is anyone else tired of hearing, "Do you think this is a sin?" Why is it that many times Christians are pressed to discuss the things that are seemingly boarderline between sin and not sin. Why do we not ask the question "Does this please our Father?" or "Does this glorify God?"

Sure I am not at the point where I ask this of everything I do, but I strive for all of my actions to not simply be "getting by" , "Christian" acts, but acts that make Jesus smile. Please pray for me as I strive for all my actions to be God glorifying.

Love-In-Christ,

Unnamed Servant

 

[fluffy_rainbow]

I will be praying for you. Unnamed, you pose a very good question. We discussed this in our women's Bible study the other night. We were talking about depression that stems from unrealistic expectations - basically, setting ourselves up for failure or waiting for a brother or sister in Christ to stumble. How many times have you heard someone in your church gossipping about another member?

"I noticed that so and so didn't come to church Sunday night. I wonder why?" or
"I was at the Mexican restaurant Friday night and I saw so and so drinking a margarita".

These are issues God is not concerned with, so why are so many Christians concerning themselves with it? Simple - we have a mindset that, as Christians, we aren't "supposed" to do such and such. It usually varies from church to church as some churches wouldn't even think twice about a fellow brother or sister imbibing or not showing up for church Sunday night. Other churches would happily deem those terrible, terrible sins and then talk about it behind the person's back. How can we have joy, as a Christian, if we're constantly setting ourselves up for failure. Sometimes, it's okay if we get angry and curse in front of someone. We can say, "I'm sorry about that. I know I'm a Christian and I shouldn't have said those things." Sometimes, that also shows lost people that we're human beings as well and not Mr. or Mrs. Prissy Pants who does no wrong.

Now, I'm by no means saying our salvation gives us an excuse to sin sin sin and then repent later; however, if we are clothed in Christ's righteousness in the first place we won't need to constantly check ourselves and doubt our salvation if we do slip up. The Bible says we are all sinners. Salvation does not magically change all of our sinful thought and action patterns. Why? Because we are still a host to sinful nature within us. When we're clothed in Christ's righteousness, it's almost like a heart transplant and we tend to lose interest in many of our sinful deeds and thought processes, but they don't *poof* magically disappear overnight. That's why we have the Lord's grace. That's why God sent Jesus Christ to die for our sins, so we don't have to prove ourselves worthy enough to enter heaven based upon our works alone because, simply put, we don't have it within us to be that righteous apart from Jesus Christ.

 

[FreeinChrist]

Good topic!


I believe we need to focus on the positive. How can I best grow in Christ? How can I best help my fellow members at church grow in their walk in Christ? That is the focus of the church I attend, rather than 'you shouldn't do _____.'

It appears to me that the best way to grow in our walk with Christ, and to help others grow, is through a prayer life, Bible study, attending the worship service, participation in missions work or doing service, and by the examples set by members who are friendly and caring. Then let the Holy Spirit convict of sin.

 

[RED that's ME]

Great topic Unnamed Servant.

Christians should be asking how can I get closer to God. What can I do to improve my walk with Christ instead of how close to the cliff can I go to without falling spiritually.

If members got this kind of attitudes would the type of thread topics change? Would we have less debating?

Hebrews 10:25b but exhorting one another: and so much the more. as ye see the day approaching.

 

[SumTinWong]

Do you think it is a sin to ask if you think it is a sin?

I am on your side on this. If you have to ask it probably is.

 

[rural_preacher]

Two Scripture passages came to my mind immediately as I read the OP:

I Corinthians 10:31-33
Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

Ephesians 5:15-21
See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God.

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