I met a sweet friend for lunch up in Fredericksburg yesterday. We talked about boys and friends and God, and we both expressed sadness over our experiences with churches that tiptoe around sensitive subjects like…sin.

We have both seen Christian friends who are living in blatant disregard to God’s commands, and oftentimes these people are in church every week, and even serving in an area of ministry.

The most obvious example of this is sexual sin. I know far too many believers who trust God for their salvation but don’t take him seriously when it comes to their relationships. I am saddened by the conversations I have with Christians who don’t see a big problem with premarital sex.

I am wondering where the disconnect is.

I have shared before that I have fallen into sin a few times since I became a Christian. It happens. The difference is that I knew I was wrong. I knew I was in sin. I felt conviction about it. I grieved over it. I got out.

This doesn’t make me better than anyone else. I was able to recognize my sin because I am surrounded by a group of believers who care about my walk with God and weren’t afraid to speak truth to me. I saw God’s commands and warnings about being holy and set apart and not walking in darkness because I read the Bible. I have a church that tells me sin is a big deal to God. He doesn’t say “Don’t worry about it.” He takes it so seriously he died for it on the cross.

Sisters. Brothers. Friends. God is serious about our obedience to him in this area. When we keep God out of our relationships, we are choosing LESS. Less than his best for us. Less credibility when we share our faith. Less of his blessing and presence.

Not only are we choosing less, we are in sin. We are purposefully disobeying God, and nothing good ever comes from that.

How can we say we love Jesus if we don’t obey him? He is our friend, but more importantly, he is God.

Sexual sin hurts God. It hurts us and it hurts others.

No matter what your situation or excuse, it won’t hold up. There is no good reason to disobey God.

Get out, receive forgiveness, and be holy. Ask for help, accountability, and prayer. Speak truth to your friends. It’s a big deal.

“Flee from sexual immorality . All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” 1 Corinthians 6:18-20

In love,
Ang