Estimated reading time: 3 minute(s)
I have been reminded again lately of some things I was thinking through with God a couple years ago. I wrote about it here, here, and here. Probably a bit more around and about there, too. In fact, it was one of the five major sections of the first book I published from this blog, A Journey Shared.
Most recently, I was reminded as Jen and I were listening to last week’s episode of The God Journey. Overall it was a very good discussion of remembering that Jesus has been tempted in every way as we are, and that though we are sin-stained, he still welcomes us completely. We don’t have to feel shame, but instead, freedom to move forward and walk in step with God – no matter how many “bumps” we may experience along the way.
So, my whole perspective on sin has been slowly changing over the past several years. I like how Wayne Jacobsen describes it as a “disease” (see his book He Loves Me, or the audio collection Transitions). The idea that sin is something that can control us, and that can kill us – like where Paul said that it is “sin in me” that does… something. Where sin is a “force” or something other than just a single misdeed. Or multiple, as the case may be.
I do beleive it’s both. I can think of scripture that seems to refer to “sin” as an individual act that is contrary to the nature of God. But I do believe it’s more. I believe the thing Jesus defeated through the cross was not our individual acts, but the thing that controls and enslaves us.
But the discussion on the podcast seemed to keep going back to the idea that sin was our individual decisions. And, though I liked the general direction of the discussion, it seemed to be focused on the maintenance angle still. Where we can just clean up things here and there, and then… (implied) we can earn a better standing with God. They did not say that exactly, but the way I heard it… that mentality was still there.
How do we find the balance between both viewpoints? Where sin is a disease that can kill us, that Jesus forever defeated on the cross. And, where sin is also the choice I make in one individual situation to do something that is not in the will or nature of God, or take something that God has not given to me? Can they co-exist?
I actually believe they can. But when I heard the discussion, both Jen and I felt that the fellows speaking were just reverting to the old performance mentality of “getting it right” with God. To me, that negates grace.
So as you can see, I’m still processing. Just thought I’d take a moment and share my current thoughts with you. Discuss below if you like.