Don't Get Too Comfortable

Today, we hear much talk in our world about the sin of homosexuality. It seems that on every form of media we cannot avoid the subject. It is in our face. It is today’s hot topic. Why? Because there is a struggle, a battle between good and evil; the same battle that has existed for all time with many previous immoral subjects. Man has constantly desired to live his own life his own way, satisfying his physical desires since the first man and woman—Adam and Eve. Anytime there is sin, there is always a struggle. For some, the struggle stays within; the conviction in their hearts causing repentance and restoration. For others, the desire of their flesh is so overwhelming the battle becomes external or one of justification: “I have a right to feel this way” or in the case of homosexuality, “I was born this way.” When people have a desire to justify their sin, they tend to find others who are like-minded. They gather together; the need to feel justified is being fulfilled. After all, everyone you surround yourself with is seeking the same feelings of justification and acceptance. It’s like the old saying: “Birds of a feather flock together.” We fellowship with those we are comfortable with, those who make us feel good. As is often the case, this gathering can cause the desire to help others feel justified or, as I believe is most often the case, helping others feel good causes our justification to be bolstered and strengthened, something we desire. You see, when mankind is in an unnatural situation or committing any sin, no matter what form it takes, he will never feel completely at ease. There is always the inherent feeling given to us by our creator that what we are doing is in some way wrong or unnatural. Oh, don’t get me wrong, yes, there are those who are so in love with their sin and seeped so deep in guilt that God has given them over to a reprobate (or worthless) mind (Romans 1:27–32). Of these, there is little hope; never no hope mind you, for Christ is always available for those with repentant hearts. All of this said, the reality and truth is that no matter how many people stand with you and agree with you in your sin, the fact remains it is sin, and sin always has negative consequences. No matter how much money you raise, no matter how many people agree with you, no matter how many books are written, no matter how many are saying it’s okay, or no matter how much media coverage you receive, you know deep in your heart that what you are doing is wrong and often unnatural! Why? Again, because the God of all creation has identified and established within each of us borders, boundaries we are not to cross, and we naturally within ourselves know what they are. Few of us need to be told we have sinned, and even fewer of us want to be told we have sinned—we already know! The God who created us is impossible of sin or immorality of any kind. He is the very essence of holiness, and we are all descendants of this same God, created in His image (Genesis 1:26). Am I writing today about homosexuality? The answer to that is a simple no, because, you see, gossips hang out with gossips, liars hang out with liars, thieves hang out with thieves, addicts hang out with addicts, heretics hang out with heretics, bitter people hang out with bitter people, and so on. I am truly making the point today that just because a lot or a few people agree with you on a point or in your action, nothing changes—sin is sin and sin has consequences. It truly does not matter what people think or how many people agree with you about any given behavior. If it is wrong, it is wrong. By the way, if you are influencing others who are unsure about their convictions to set those convictions aside and participate in your sin, well, the Bible says it would be better that you were never born, for your judgment will be great (Matthew 18:6–7). Let me conclude with this: “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:13–14). Just because many people say it is correct, right, or good, just because people say you are judging if you don’t agree, no matter what pressure you are under to conform, remember wrong is wrong and right is right, and the Bible truly is your greatest guide to know the truth. It is, after all, the written Word of God, and God is never impressed by any man’s opinion, belief, or action that is contrary to His (God’s) Word, no matter how wise, eloquent, or convincing it may be. As painful as it may seem or be, do not have fellowship with those who attempt to justify sin, especially if they profess to be believers, for these are the sorts who lead people astray (2 Corinthians 6:14–15). Gene Burroughs, 1/14 PS: I am not saying you cannot be around sinners (read the scripture). How else will they know? (1 Corinthians 6). That is a story for another day.