Articles
Rejoicing in Sin
Did you know that the person who gives approval to sinful or evil behavior is just as guilty as the person committing the sin in the eyes of God? This may surprise some but for most of us it shouldn’t. The bible teaches this to be the case: “…and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them” (Rom. 1:32).
Notice the bible says those who sin are worthy of death but the person who gives their approval to such things is just as worthy. We need to be very careful of what we approve of. One of the many dangers of social media is that we are quick to “like” and “share” messages and content that seem funny, sarcastic or entertaining. But a thorough analysis reveals that such content is sinful and contrary to God’s principles.
It may be that the world finds such content funny and maybe even uplifting but does God laugh at those things? Does he take pride in the evil and perversions of this world? What kind of messages would we be conveying, as God’s people, if we were to be sharing and composing such things? Would God be pleased with any of that? Would we be leading others to God or leading them away from God?
We are not to tolerate sin nor are we to approve and encourage any such thing. The church at Corinth were evidently involved in such things which Paul vehemently called out (1 Cor. 5). When we see sin and evil being committed and we have an opportunity to do something about it, we must take action to reprove and exhort instead or encouraging and approving.
We must be extra careful because we may be approving of sin in a non-verbal way that others may see causing them to go further away from Christ. We are to be lights in a dark world which people ought to see in order that they may come to Christ, the True Light, for salvation. Let us be mindful of what we say, post, share, like and comment on. May our thoughts and attitudes always reflect the mind of Christ. May we always seek to reprove sinful behavior and shine our lights in this dark world. People are watching. What do our actions and do our words say about who we are who lives in us?
