So many people have a tendency to simplify this thing we call Christianity into a lifelong game of sin avoidance. I think they get sucked in by how easy “sin avoidance” makes the whole Christian experience. I know that seems counter intuitive, but here’s what I mean. If you make Christianity nothing more than sin avoidance, it’s really easy to keep score; are you avoiding more sin than we were last year? It’s also makes it easier to categorize others and gauge their walk. It’s easy to teach our kids. It’s easy to indoctrinate people.
For all it’s ease, though, it couldn’t be more wrong. It’s a tragic short selling of what God is calling us to in life.
Now, I know I’m making some of you nervous. So, let me say it as clearly as I can – avoid sin at all costs! I’m not advocating moral laxity here; sin is destructive to us, offensive to God and kills our joy. Run from it. Flee it with all the might God provides.
But don’t ever believe that’s all God wants from us. Jesus Christ died to call you into a whole new life. You’re His ambassador now. He has stuff He wants you to do. There’s problems in the world that need your attention. There’s billions of people who need to hear the beautiful news of the Gospel. Live for that. Let those be the causes that stir your heart.
By the way, when your passionately pursuing Christ and His Kingdom, sin is that much easier to avoid.
Be holy, yes. But be passionate and active as well.
That’s so true, John, and I think it’s something we all fall into more frequently than we realize.
The Christian life isn’t about maintaining a daily scorecard of how we did with the sin that day. I’ve found that when you merely dwell on trying to avoid the sin, you’re often doing it in your own power. “How long can I go without doing _________.” Maybe you’re trying to clean up your language, avoid porn, or quit being so quick to judge others. All of these things require a daily “check” of sorts, but the key to finding success in these areas is solely in the daily pursuit of holiness. And what I mean by that is rather than focusing on the sin issue in your life (which can sometimes lead you into the temptation merely by the thought), focus on spending time in the Word, and in prayer.
Romans 12:1-2 speaks this truth well:
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
It’s not about avoiding the sin, it’s about being transformed into the likeness of Christ by the renewing of your mind and daily offering your life up to God as a living sacrifice. I’ve played the game of sin avoidance, and it’s not one in which to boast. Instead, I pray that your hearts and minds would daily be renewed as you pursue holiness in your life.