California Family Minute
July 30, 2010
The “S” Word
We don’t say it much anymore. We whisper the word when we mention it in public. It brings such a feeling of discomfort to us that we attempt to redefine it in order to soften its impact.
Sin. It’s everywhere! Unfortunately, I don’t need to look any further than myself. But I prefer to disregard my own junk in favor of pointing out the more overt and blatant offenses that I’d like to believe are “beneath” me.
Government has its sins, and the corporate world’s sins are receiving a lot of attention these days. We call it “institutional” sin and point our fingers at organizations and their policies. Doing so provides a comfortable distance between that word and me.
Some people believe that “sin” – an offense against God – belongs to an archaic and primitive worldview. Many Americans debunk “sin” by redefining God. If God is nothing but love, or an amorphous higher power, then our concern for sin or its consequences becomes negligible.
However, if the testaments of the Bible are true, then God is holy, and His will and ways are in fact knowable. Call me archaic, but I believe this with all my heart and mind. Therefore, I am concerned about offending God, and I am concerned about a people that disregard truth, and sin and its consequences.
This is what I’m getting at: Ultimately, responsibility comes back to the individual. Institutions are made up of individuals. Our government is “of the people.” If you and I believe that God is holy and just, and that sin will have current and eternal consequences, then we have a role to play in this culture for our sake, for others’ sake, and for God’s glory.
Are you as tired as I am hearing “you can’t legislate morality?” Yes, I understand that no law can force all people to behave morally. But there are competing worldviews, and should we choose to remain on the sidelines, then alternative worldviews will prevail, and immorality will be legislated. This is the current condition of our state.
But you and I can be part of a historic transformation accomplished out of love for our God and our neighbors.
What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and
to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8
All of what the Lord requires of us involves action.
Blessings on you and yours,
Ron Prentice
Chief Executive Officer
The “S” Word
We don’t say it much anymore. We whisper the word when we mention it in public. It brings such a feeling of discomfort to us that we attempt to redefine it in order to soften its impact.
Sin. It’s everywhere! Unfortunately, I don’t need to look any further than myself. But I prefer to disregard my own junk in favor of pointing out the more overt and blatant offenses that I’d like to believe are “beneath” me.
Government has its sins, and the corporate world’s sins are receiving a lot of attention these days. We call it “institutional” sin and point our fingers at organizations and their policies. Doing so provides a comfortable distance between that word and me.
Some people believe that “sin” – an offense against God – belongs to an archaic and primitive worldview. Many Americans debunk “sin” by redefining God. If God is nothing but love, or an amorphous higher power, then our concern for sin or its consequences becomes negligible.
However, if the testaments of the Bible are true, then God is holy, and His will and ways are in fact knowable. Call me archaic, but I believe this with all my heart and mind. Therefore, I am concerned about offending God, and I am concerned about a people that disregard truth, and sin and its consequences.
This is what I’m getting at: Ultimately, responsibility comes back to the individual. Institutions are made up of individuals. Our government is “of the people.” If you and I believe that God is holy and just, and that sin will have current and eternal consequences, then we have a role to play in this culture for our sake, for others’ sake, and for God’s glory.
Are you as tired as I am hearing “you can’t legislate morality?” Yes, I understand that no law can force all people to behave morally. But there are competing worldviews, and should we choose to remain on the sidelines, then alternative worldviews will prevail, and immorality will be legislated. This is the current condition of our state.
But you and I can be part of a historic transformation accomplished out of love for our God and our neighbors.
What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and
to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8
All of what the Lord requires of us involves action.
Blessings on you and yours,
Ron Prentice
Chief Executive Officer
