Sin has always been an unpopular topic. Unless we are speaking of something as innocuous as chocolate, I know, some of you are thinking. “Tammy chocolate is anything but innocuous.” But, that is a topic for another blog.
When I was a young rebel, I loved my sin. I was not impressed with the pointing fingers of religious people. In college, I worked each Sunday at an eatery in downtown Nashville. This brought me face-to-face with the religious crowd who came following church. In my opinion, they were all bossy, graceless, and left lousy tips. Of course, it wasn't true of all, but had little patience for all. One weekend I was disciplined for "huffing" at a customer. As my boss wrote the word on the warning slip, we both smiled. She resolved the issue and removed me from the Sunday schedule. As a self-actualized and proud sinner, I can tell you I did not want to leave my sinful ways, especially if it meant returning to the place where I'd worship next to the Sunday patrons.
Sin has many definitions: Biblically it is "missing the mark" – "to fall short of the glory of God" – open and defiant rebellion against God. One definition that resonates with me is that sin is: “meeting a legitimate need illegitimately.” For example, humans have a legitimate need for intimacy. Sometimes this legitimate need causes some to run headlong into unhealthy and reckless immoral relationships to find intimacy.
Whether it is an unrepentant sinner, which I once was. Or whether it is redeemed folks who endeavor to press forward in discipleship: sin is not a popular topic.
Sins of passion are the easiest to repent from because the behavior is evident. Sins of passion beyond sexual sin. It also includes gluttony, abusive anger, or even murder.
If you are a follower of Christ, sin fills you with conviction and shame. Note I wrote conviction, not condemnation. According to Romans 8:1, “There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ.” But He will convict you because your actions have put a wedge in your relationship with Him. Convictions call us to repent, to “confess our sins, [because] he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sin, and purify us from all unrighteousness.” James the brother of Christ even encourages us to ‘confess sins to each other, and pray for each other so that healing will come.’ Many sins are easy to identify and repent of. The more covert sins are those of the heart. These are the silent killers, the sins that lurk deep in the hidden corners of the heart...
Whether you are a follower of Christ, or not, the issue of sin is just a matter of how you deal with it. As a Christian, we have an advocate and we have the Holy Spirit who fills us with the power to overcome our sinful compulsions.
My experience inside or outside the doors of the church is that sin is an unpopular topic. Christians will come forward to ask for physical healing long before they come to an altar and openly confess the sin that is "tripping them up."’ Perhaps if they came forward to deal with sin, they may also be healed.
If a preacher were to make a public invitation for all who struggled with sin. assure you few would stand. They would be too concerned about the opinions of other Christians. It is the "sin of pride" that keeps them from standing, but they are too proud to see it.
In the end, the topic of sin is just a bit overwhelming. I can tell you I’m glad my sins have been forgiven. I was guilty but an advocate stood in my defense and took the punishment I deserved. And until the day arrives when I will be with him and sin will be no more. I think I’ll just sit down for my quiet time of devotion and have a chocolate mocha latte and a chocolate truffle.