God doesn't...

...why should we?

I can't get over how many people come to church and expect that their excesses are acknowledged and then condoned continually. I agree that Jesus says we should "come as we are" but doesn't expect us to stay that way.*

I'm not saying that we should go around with a "holier than thou" attitude condemning others. However, it is very evident that Jesus does not tolerate our excesses so why should His body - the church - tolerate them?

Matthew 7:13-14 says: Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (KJV)

Jesus knows that some people are "crooked" and expects even if we are, we should become and remain straight after we come into contact with Him.* If and for as long as you have excesses - which may not always be sin, you can't go through the strait gate to life - here and hereafter. They don't just slow you down, they keep you away from your destiny in God. Remember, the shortest distance between 2 points is a straight line (all puns intended).

This all good true for every Christian however as Pastor and Mrs Pastor, we need to also ensure that we don't have any excesses that we expect God (and the church) to condone. God is clear on what He won't tolerate.** Therefore we, not just members of the churches God has placed us over, must know and align with His Word and His Will too.

Bottom line: In every area of life, stay straight and on the strait path...

 

 

References

* These may seem like extreme examples - but they are examples anyhow:

John 8: 10 - 11 - ¹⁰ He straightened up and said to her, “Where are they? Is there no one left to condemn you?” ¹¹ “No one, sir,” she answered. “Well, then,” Jesus said, “I do not condemn you either. Go, but do not sin again.” (Good News Translation)

 

Read also Acts 5: 1- 11 and John 5: 14

 

** Prov 6: 16-19 (Good News Translation, emphasis mine)

^16-19 There are seven things that the Lord hates and cannot tolerate:

• A proud look, (note that it's not a proud act...a look is bad)
• a lying tongue, (I'm sure this incudes tongues that tell half-truths)
• hands that kill innocent people, (including not confirming facts)
• a mind that thinks up wicked plans, (this would include passive listeners)
• feet that hurry off to do evil, (this includes those who don't stop the hurrying feet)
• a witness who tells one lie after another, (or one who doesn't stop the liar)
• and someone who stirs up trouble among friends. (trouble-stirrer - period)

Read Ezekiel 33: 10-20 too