By Katie Heid
We’re bombarded with talk today about “speaking up” and “shouting your [fill in the blank].” I can’t help but think of how Christ followers are to react to the pride and vitriol embedded in such statements:
* There are struggles and there is sin. Sin should never be shouted, unless it’s as evidence that Christ has saved us. Shouting to justify sinful behavior is wrong. Unlike what the world preaches, sin should come with shame.
* There are struggles and there is sin. Struggles are meant to be shared, but we must discern how, when, and to whom to share them. It depends on how God is leading us, but not everyone in the world needs to have a front row seat to those problems. Who can you trust? Confide in? Ask for prayer? James 5:16 gives us guidance: Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
* There are struggles and there is sin. Justifying our overtly sinful behavior and claiming God loves us “the way we are” is misleading to ourselves and to others. Of course God loves us! The Bible tells us “While we were sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) Jesus also stated He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father but through [him]. Our sin is meant to be confessed. It’s meant to be forgiven. Holding on to it while claiming we love Christ makes the cross irrelevant.
* There are struggles and there is sin. Jesus came so He may help us in the midst of the struggle, and died to give victory over our sin.
While the world preaches, “Shout your sin!” Christ continues to tell us He has overcome the world. Stand strong today, and know a God who loves you and His people are there to strengthen you, whether you’re stuck in struggle or sin. Stay strong!
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