After a robust discussion about the problems of the world with a fellow pastor, I could not leave this thought alone. If in fact we are called to new life, which Jesus purchased with His blood on the cross, does that give us liberty to do absolutely everything the way we choose? At some logical point in the discussion can we begin to think we need to answer the call of discipleship (Follow me) which Jesus has offered in the Scriptures? Might that mean denial of self and surrender to His will and His way?
One example that was offered in the discussion was Jesus’ handling of the prostitute. He questions about her accusers, and offers affirmation rather than condemnation-“Neither do I condemn you” the NKJV says, and then Jesus’s most interesting words- “Go and sin no more.” (John 8:11) There’s no record anywhere if she did. If she’s like the rest of us, perhaps she ignored Jesus’s words as well.
The deception of sin is the notion that our actions really don’t matter. They are neutral. There seems to be no pushback in the world these days, because it has become apparent in our country that just about any and every thing is permissible. The herd mentality suggests that if we are all doing it, who would notice just me? The church of today finds itself struggling because it attempts to hold onto what now appears to be a lost cause-that the Ten Commandments really might be a curb, mirror, and rule for us all. And by holding on to this measuring tool, who can stand? Society has decreed we get rid of the measuring stick. Make everything equal, let us all be similar, no matter what manifestation the world might be working on our heads and in our hearts. We don’t judge others and we ourselves get a free pass. I think this offers us with a thought process that is wrong. Dead wrong!
What part of Scripture do we keep or allow to be normative if we consistently neutralize it with our consistent ignoring of what is written there? Who are we to accept or reject? I wonder if there is still any “fear” of God left out there.
Just sayin!
