With the SCOTUS ruling allowing homosexual marriage in all fifty states, the conversation floated through my memory. I remember thinking twenty years ago "if only being a pastor's kid made me immune to the temptations of sin."
Before we continue there are a few things we need to establish from Scripture.
- We are all sinners. Romans 3:23
- Death is the consequence of our sin Romans 6:23
- Our sins keep us separated from God. Isaiah 59:2
- Jesus died to cover our sins John 14:6
- Through grace and Jesus' sacrifice we are covered Romans 3:25 Colossians 1:22
- Love wins John 3:16
Why did a twenty year old conversation come to mind with SCOTUS' ruling? Because as a Christian it would be easier if I was immune to sin. I've watched social media implode as triumphant posts have clashed with condemnation.
The Bible tells me the following are sins:
- homosexuality I Corinthians 6:9
- idolatry I Corinthians 6:9
- adultery I Corinthians 6:9
- theft/stealing I Corinthians 6:10
- greed I Corinthians 6:10
- being drunk I Corinthians 6:10
- slandering I Corinthians 6:10
- murder and a few more Exodus 20
- a bunch of other covered in Ephesians 5
Am I pleased with the direction SCOTUS chose? No. I believe we are succumbing to the temporary pleasures given by sin and ignoring the eternal promises of God. However, before I hop on Facebook or Twitter and condemn my homosexual friends and their supporters in their revelry. I took a breath and thought about how Jesus would address his friends if He'd been walking the Earth today.
Homosexuality is a sin. Lying is a sin. Stealing is a sin. Slander is a sin. Every Sunday we have Christians in our churches who have committed sin. Christians are just good at covering up the lifestyle sins and committing those which aren't as public. Christians are notorious for slander and bitterness. Every Sunday a seat is warmed by someone with an unnecessary amount of hate in their heart. They serve on the Board and teach Sunday School. They lie and place blame. They skew facts in their favor. .
All sin keeps us from God. It is part of our human nature to quantify most aspects of our lives. Texas has made it their states motto "everything is bigger in Texas." We measure success, height, weight, looks, etc, against others. It is the geometry effect. If a>b and b>c then a>c. Our minds are constantly determining where we fall in the totem pole of life. Christ didn't die with a finite amount of grace with which to bestow on us. We aren't limited in the sins we can commit and be forgiven for.
Christ died for all sins. He died that all may come to a relationship with God through Him. The reality is not all will receive the gift of His grace. Many will pursue temporary pleasures because it is easier than eternal salvation.
Christians aren't perfect. They have acknowledged their need for God. They have accepted the gift of grace. They are still tempted. Most Christians sin on a daily basis. Sin is our default state. The Bible tells us we will be tempted, but God gives us the strength to overcome. I Corinthians 10:13 For those times we don't overcome temptation, God has poured out His grace to us.
I adore all my friends - the liars, the cheaters, the slanderers, the homosexuals, the sexually immoral. I need Christ's grace as much as they do because it doesn't matter I'm a pastor's daughter. I lust when I see a good-looking guy. I gossip. I get angry. I have thoughts I would be ashamed to voice. I'm as human as the next person. I need Christ just as badly as anyone else.
