A Non-practicing Liar

I just received a new E-issue of World Magazine today and thought that I would comment on an article regarding a young woman who was recently hired at Wheaton College in Illinois. Wheaton is a Christian college historically connected to martyr Jim Elliot and his wife, Elizabeth, as well as Billy Graham. It is a school that truly seeks to educate the next generation of spiritual servants being sent into our dying world. 

Julie Rodgers was hired to provide spiritual care for students. Not surprising in some ways:  She has a master's degree in English, has mentored inner-city youth, and speaks at Christian churches and conferences. One surprise: She openly identifies as homosexual and yet sees homosexual behavior as sin. Rodgers, though, is a "gay celibate Christian" - someone who identifies as homosexual but does not act on her same-sex desires because she also believes such behavior is sinful. 

Theologically, I am in line with what she says. Regarding homosexuality, I think we can say this about any sin that consumes us. I may feel a certain sinful way and God may not take that particular desire away for whatever reason but by my not acting or mentally dwelling upon it, it allows God's grace and mercy to work. Do we not all have a "sin that so easily entangles us" (Heb. 12.1)? One where we cry out, "How long O LORD must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart?  How long O LORD will my enemy triumph over me?" (Ps. 13:2-3). 

The only issue that I have with this position is found in 1 Cor. 6:11. As a follower of Christ my sin does not define who I am. It does not mean that I don't struggle with sin, but that theologically, it is covered, forgiven, and forgotten as far as the east is from the west. So why advertise? In the above article, this is like saying I am a non-practicing adulterous Christian or a non-practicing lying Christian or ... put whatever sin you'd like in the non- column. I am a forgiven and righteous person because of the blood of Christ. That is who I am. I try and seek with all my heart to say "no" to ungodliness because of this wonderful gift of grace. And...I have to say "no" daily because that is how often I struggle, if not with one sin, then another that is revealed by the Holy Spirit. I'm sure that every follower of Jesus would have to admit to the same to some degree. I just choose not to be defined by the sin but by the Savior. 

I also believe in the healing and transformative power of Jesus that allow us to live victoriously over sin. I believe as the early Church Fathers that we should press on toward being "perfect" and "holy" through the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. 

Why is it then that I still struggle with particular sins? Could it be that they are the last vestiges of self, the spiritual holdouts to being fully devoted to Jesus? Could it be my "Linus blanket," something secure, something to keep me from being hurt or disappointed? Something that leaves me in control of my needs and not Jesus? Sometimes the thorn is left in the side as a way of keeping us humble and on our knees before a merciful God. This is a question for another day, another post... 

Unfortunately, we have once again elevated one sin over another in our unbiblical hierarchy of ungodliness. I guess it makes us feel better about our own particular low level sin. 

I wonder if World magazine will do a follow-up on a non-practicing gluttonous Christian who was just hired some place?