The Reason We Don't Talk About Sin
Hello. My name is Cammie and I’m a sinner. I know it and I own it. I try not to sin, but inevitably, it happens. Whether it’s something I say, watch, or do, no sooner does the action take place than I know what’s transpired. Sometimes I sin deliberately. Sometimes it’s an honest mistake. Regardless, I know that I’m a big fat sinner…and I think that’s a very good thing.
My propensity to sin isn't an excuse, but rather a desperate acknowledgement that I am in serious need of God’s intervention, strength, and self-control. I know that without Christ’s power in me, I am doomed for failure. I know that without Christ’s forgiveness, I am destined for death. Recognition of this doesn’t cover me in shame or self-induced guilt. It doesn’t make me feel dirty. Rather, I have grown to believe that my sin is often a wake-up call for me remember just how desperate I am for Him.
In Matthew 1:18-21, we find Joseph, the soon to be step-father of Jesus, having just been given downright outrageous news from his fiancé, Mary, who claimed she was carrying a child that was conceived by the Holy Spirit. This reminds me of when I lived in California, and had a friend, Susan, who was a general practitioner. She once told me, “You can’t imagine how many pregnant young girls come to my office claiming that their unborn baby was conceived by the Holy Spirit!” Ha! No dice, Mary! Not believing it! Thank God she told Joseph, and not me.
I imagine Joseph was scared, frustrated, and even a bit angry. Did he really believe her claims? He considered a breakup. He didn’t want to embarrass her, so he had in mind to “divorce her quietly.” Obviously, he wasn’t convinced. But soon thereafter an angel came to him with the message, “Do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will SAVE his people from their sins.” As my Scottish friend, Ken, says “And there you have it!”
Jesus came to save His people from their sins. It’s that simple. I think we forget that sometimes. Sin is a big deal – a REALLY BIG DEAL. Sin separates us from God. Sin eats at our souls. Sin promises fulfillment, but delivers emptiness. Sin convinces us there is a greater freedom, only to enslave us. We are desperate for life-giving, life-changing forgiveness, whether we realize it or not. Perfect love is expressed through His forgiveness.
If this is true, why don’t we talk about that little “S” world anymore? It seems that we’re afraid to even say it aloud, let alone discuss it. As a result, people don't even know there’s anything they NEED to be saved from. We’re too busy trying to make everyone feel good! We live in a time when churches and religious organizations avoid the topic of sin like the plague, choosing instead to focus exclusively on the promises and “feel good” scriptures.
Could it be that we’re petrified of coming across as politically incorrect, “mean Christians,” causing others to run and hide, possibly sending them straight to hell in the process? Perhaps it’s an issue of pride – we’re afraid to admit that we still struggle; that we’re not perfect; that we’re still in process. Or have we taken forgiveness for granted? Could it also be that we just don’t know how to talk about it? Maybe we’ve forgotten what we were and are…sinners who have been saved, are being saved, and will continue to be saved.
I want to be clear – I’m not talking about finger pointing – far from it. When we finger point, we take on the role of Holy Spirit, which is NOT our job! I’m talking about open, honest discussion regarding what sin actually is; how to overcome it, as well as the support and encouragement, as well as prayers, for others. Talking about sin is actually one of the kindest, most loving things we can do. It is then that we can always point ourselves and others back to the Savior - the only One who can redeem us, as well as our situations.
We just need to learn how to talk about sin in the right way, in an atmosphere of love, kindness, grace and mentorship, first practicing with one another. Perhaps, like me, you feel you’ve been spiritually manipulated by the subject of sin in the past – even scared into repentance. If that’s the case, there’s all the more reason we need to redeem the subject.
A great many people have talked, lectured or preached about sin horribly. Images of “Christians” holding up hateful, condemning signs comes to mind. This must break God’s heart. On the other hand, it must make the enemy of our souls smile, laugh even, as his job’s complete. This has resulted in our becoming mute - scared into silence, preventing the most miraculous transaction that can possibly take place from being taught and communicated. It’s kept us from loving well.
Open discussion about sin in an atmosphere of love requires our getting real with God, ourselves and others, being honest about our own struggles and failures. This brings humility, resulting in our being loving, empathetic and understanding. In doing so, we destroy one of Satan’s most powerful tools - the measuring stick which counts one sin as bigger than another. Being forever grateful requires remembering where we came from, and acknowledging that without Jesus, we’ll go right back there.
When we raised our kids, one of our top rules was NEVER let them see you display shock or anger, especially when sin is confessed. EV-ER! Why? Because if you act shocked, they’ll stop being honest and open with you. Watching facial expressions and body language is also required. We use this same rule in ministry. An atmosphere of honesty takes time and trust. Jesus never acted shocked, and it worked for Him. It will for us as well.
There’s great work to be done to make the switch from confessed sin bringing shame and guilt, to it bringing direction and freedom. In making the change, the first conversation, a very intimate one, must be between ourselves and God, asking Him to reveal any sin in our own hearts. A simple prayer of “Lord, create in me a clean heart and renew a steadfast Spirit within me,” can change everything.
“…You are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.” That’s why He came. No more beautiful or life-changing words have ever been spoken.
