There are things we each do which are a hidden sin. We lie, cheat, maybe even steal. We speed, leave work early and shrug our shoulders when we could do something, but choose not to. There are many ways we sin. There are multiple ways we deceive one another into thinking we don’t. We like an appearance of perfection. Our social media posts are edited. Our family troubles are hidden away. We say we are “fine.” We have it all together. We take the time to make sure people don’t know our dirt.

The problem is, we all have it.

Dirt is something we can sometimes cover up. We manipulate the appearance of dysfunction. We polish the truth and adjust our “perspective” to make way for the ease of conscience. There are things we justify, conceal and close our eyes to. We do not want anyone to know about our dirt. No matter how dirty or barely dusty, we should be ashamed of our sin against God.

So, what happens when one sinner calls out another sinner in the church?

What happens when a man thinks he is more righteous than another?

How do we justify weighing one person’s sin when we have our own to account to?

Regardless of what we think, there was only one perfect man. And in his perfect wisdom, he instructed us to not weigh one sin over another. He gave every person in his ministry an opportunity to serve his purpose. He told them what to do time and time again. He showed them how to do it. He gave them a chance to make their life right in their own time. He made it clear he wouldn’t wait forever, yet he gave them an open door when he left to follow him.

The door has never closed.

It remains open for all sinners of every kind. There is no degree of sin which outweighs others. Sure, as humans we see things held to a different standard, but as the church on the promise of Gods law, every sin is simply that- a sin. They each weigh the same. More importantly-they each require the same path to redemption.

Jesus didn’t call out sinners in public. (mostly- he had moments) He had quiet, private conversations with individuals based on their own life. He approached them with humility and love. He was not reproachful or condemning. He never told them they couldn’t serve him while in the process of redemption. We are supposed to behave as he did.

When Jesus spoke to the rich ruler, he asked him to give it all away and come follow him. It was his choice, yet the invitation stood after Jesus moved forward. {Luke 18:18-29}

When He spoke to the woman at the well, he offered her living water- regardless then in place of her sin. She was redeemable, and she had to decide after he left. {John 4:4-24}

When Jesus spoke to the Pharisees and some Jews about his position and their lack of understanding, they were confused. It went against what they had built their beliefs on. They often chose which “sins” were worthy of accountability or not. This is not how redemption from sin is supposed to work. This is no man’s job- it is the responsibility of Jesus himself. {John 8:12-20}

When the church decides to hold a person accountable for a specific sin, we fail to realize how much like the Pharisees we appear. This is the reason we are called hypocrites. This is why the world fails to see us as Jesus did. We all too often do not apply the written word into our daily lives as leaders. Then we try to hold one another accountable to an impossible sin-free standard.

• If a man who has been divorced and remarried, should he not serve as a leader?
• If a woman who had an abortion at a young age attends, should she not teach Sunday school?
• If a young person isn’t married yet lives with their significant other, are they not worthy to worship?
• If a person has {insert any sin here} are they not redeemable through Jesus?

If all these things are true, then what are we doing church?

Why are we determining who gets to worship, serve, love and be redeemable?

This is not our job. Our future is at stake here.

Allowing someone access to Jesus in your church is not the same thing as condoning their behavior.

Providing them the opportunity for conviction and for the Holy Spirit to do his work is our top priority.  When you witness the work of God firsthand through the life of a loved one, it is inspiring and beautiful.  Redemption is work, and the outcome is divine.

If our people are not in our worship service intentionally serving and hearing from the Holy Spirit, it is our fault, when we condemn their choices instead of allowing them space and time to change.

We send the message our sin isn’t as bad as theirs.

 Romans 3:22-24  (NIV)

22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

XOXO