Worship and Sin

As a worship pastor and one who leads others in worship each week, it is imperative that my life be a living example of Christ.  There can be no "hidden" sin that I keep "just for me."  There is no place I can publicly go where I do not have the potential to be viewed by others.  I live in the fishbowl where all people may watch and judge, admire and desire.  So it is with all of us.  When we proclaim to be a Christian, we are doing two things.  We are acknowledging that Christ died for us and we are acknowledging that He is our Lord...the One we will serve.  For those of us who have grown up on the other side of Christianity in our young lives, this provides some hurdles.  Suppose that you grew up in a home where beer and wine were used to "have fun," "steady nerves," or "numb pain"?  Or suppose that there are fleshly things that have been at the forefront of your mind, such as illegal drugs or pornography (and you may count romance novels in that group).  Suppose that you enjoy conflict?  You like to poke and make fun of others because you were picked on as a child and it somehow "soothes" you.  Suppose you grew up in a negative household where swearing and hitting and fits of anger were part of your every day?  How does your acceptance of Jesus Christ and your desire to call Him Lord deal with your life that was?

Keep this one thing in mind.  Before you were born, He knew you.  He knew you.  He knew the circumstances into how you would be born.  He knew the household that you would grow up in.  He knew all the trials and accomplishments that would form your life.  He began searching for you as soon as you were born!  Think back over your life and the many times you have been confronted with Christ.  There was the Sunday school or VBS in the backyard.  There was the neighbor or friend who was good to you.  There was the Bible that someone gave to you as a child.  There was the first time God touched you through His Word, spoken, sung, danced or painted.  How many times child, has God been there for you?  And how many times child, do we not let go of our before and trust our today?  We should not worry about whether we are in sin or not.  If we do wonder, here are some scriptures to pray over.

 Proverbs 6:16-19.
There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers

Galatians 5:19-21
The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy;drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. (NIV)

1 Corinthians 6:9-10
Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.(NIV)

This verse appears again in 1 Corinthians 10:23, with the addition of this idea: "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive." When an activity is not distinctly described as sin in the Bible, we can ask ourselves these questions: "Is this activity beneficial for me or will it become my master? Will participation in this activity be constructive or destructive to my Christian life and witness?" Jack Zavada. AboutChristianity.com

As leaders of worship and as those called by Christ and aligned with Him, we are no longer our own to decide how we should live.  But Christ gives us the answer in His Word.  If you must be cut off from certain people, places or situations that lead to a wrong witness, than do it.  If your eye offends, it is better to pluck it out and throw it away so that the offense is gone and does not contaminate the rest of your body.  

Here is your Hope.  Though you go back to the potter's wheel to be recast and reformed for His glory, and though the consequences of your sin be burned out and refined; know that on the other side the Father waits to see you come forth shining like pure gold.  You can overcome, like the song says - "by the blood of the lamb and the word of His testimony.  Everyone Overcome!!

Today is the beginning of a new week.  It is Monday.  I believe each moment we are born anew.  You brother or sister have that moment today.  Deep down you know the truth and the truth will set you free.  Turn your back on whatever is preying on your flesh and spirit, withhold not one thing from the fire and watch as , from the inside out, God uses You for His glory.

Be blessed bright ones.

Pastor Cat