Some Additional Thoughts I Have Had Following Paul’s Preaching

Paul Burleson preached an excellent sermon yesterday, about which I posted a synopsis below.  God is still talking to me about it, and I wanted to flesh out those thoughts here.  I really don’t know what all I am about to say, because I am not sure what it is God is teaching me.  I’m just thinking out loud.

Paul described how in his early years as a pastor he knew everything he needed to know about sin.  Sin was anything that was on his list of sins, such as drinking, smoking, going to the movies, etc.  What made the list not only were things that were biblically based, but also things that were based on baptist tradition or others’ convictions (whom he admired).  What I want to discuss here are the items we deem as “sins” based on human or institutional tradition or another’s convictions.  I am not talking about things that God clearly states fall short of His glory (although I’m not sure that the same train of thought doesn’t apply to those things as well at least in part-that may have to come with another post).

I know that I have heard over the years people teach of such lists including playing cards, movies, books, music, drinking, smoking, going to eat on Sundays, cursing, saying the word “God” in any reference other than a positive one about God, and so on.  I often agreed with such lists and maintained one of my own.  Of course, in looking back, much of what I listed were things that I could manage, and, for those things that I “struggled” with, that was really what helped me know how well I was doing in my spiritual walk (rather than any analysis of my heart and passion for, and attitude toward, God).  In addition to these lists of “do nots,” I have seen them expand to include procedures or policies around the items on the list.  For example, because alcohol is on the list of sins, then one cannot go to bars or sit at a bar, even a bar in a restaurant.  Or, whereas R-rated movies are on the list, one can go to a PG movie. 

So, when, for example, a group from work decided to go out together, a good Christian could go so long as the destination was just a restaurant; however, if the destination was a bar or an R-rated movie, then a good Christian must not go.  And, obviously, by holding and espousing such a belief, all “good Christians” communicate to those who do go to a bar or an R-rated movie that they are not “good Christians” or may not be Christian at all. 

What is upsetting me now and what I’m trying to get my frail brain around is this:  Are we, when we make a decision that we cannot do something with others because the something they are doing is on our list of “sins,” choosing to honor something that is temporary above something that is eternal?  Are we literally putting our desires (whether of personal reputation or of personal preferences or of spiritual piety) above love for another human being who possesses an eternal spirit and who has been created in the image of God?

Think of it this way.  A friend and brother in Christ borrows money from you.  You tell them “pay me back when you can.”  The next thing you know the “when you can” has gone from a few months to a year, to two years, to more.  Meanwhile, you see that friend buying a new car, going on vacation, etc., but never seeming to be able to pay you back.  They no longer are your friend and now you are even considering suing them for the money.  You seethe everytime you see them out to eat.  What has happened???  You’ve now put money (something temporary) above a God-given relationship with an eternal soul.  Similarly, when we disassociate with others because of choices they make, fully within their God-given liberty to make, we are saying that not being associated with them, regardless of God’s call and command to love them, is more important to us than any ministry God would have for us. 

Now, some might say, well, you can minister to them at other times.  Just because they go to a bar doesn’t mean you can’t ever minister to them.  And, this is true.  But are you?  Are you going anywhere with these people?  Are they inviting you anywhere or are you inviting them anywhere?  Does your attitude of judgment (and clear lack of love) put a wedge between you such that ministry is impossible?  Just like a debtor often avoids contact with someone to whom he owes money, don’t you think that such an attitude causes avoidance and a closed spirit?

I’d love it if others, in agreement or disagreement, would help me flesh out these thoughts….