June 30, 2021
“For I have often told you, and now say again with tears, that many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction; their god is their stomach; their glory is in their shame; and they are focused on earthly things.” – Philippians 3:18-19
In today’s world, “love” and “acceptance” have been lumped together so often that we see them as one concept, assuming one cannot exist without the other. I believe that loving someone includes accepting them exactly the way God created them. Each person is a beautiful work of art from the Father’s hand. However, being accepting of one’s sin is anything but loving. To say, “live however you want to live and that is okay with me,” shows a complete absence of concern for the wellbeing of others. Love does not mean accepting someone’s actions no matter how sinful or destructive they may be. Love means always doing what is best for the one you love. If you have ever raised a child you clearly understand this. Likewise, anyone who has walked a loved one through addiction and recovery knows this to be true. When we love someone, we tell them the truth about their sinful actions, no matter how difficult it may be.
It is important to make this distinction because our world has now moved well beyond simply turning a blind eye to sin or saying, “it’s okay.” Our world now takes pride in sin. The current culture not only calls evil good but calls everyone evil who does not celebrate blatant sinfulness. When someone lives with only earthy things in mind, their god is their sinful appetites. They begin to take great pride in their shameful acts. And this, in the end, leads to their destruction. Brothers and sisters, if you are willing to “accept” this in the lives of those around you, then you are no longer demonstrating the love of Christ. To the contrary, you have demonstrated that you are perfectly content with their destruction.
Righteous God and Loving Father, do not let us be blinded by the lies and deception of this world. Love has never been, nor will it ever be synonymous with celebrating sin. Fill us with the love of Christ so that we may speak truth to everyone in hopes that they would repent, be forgiven, and experiencing abundant, eternal life in Jesus.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Shane Cannon
