Identification without Condemnation: The Importance of Acknowledging and Recognizing Sins

SIN is a taboo word in society and in the Church. To call someone’s actions a sin is sometimes regarded as an act of bigotry, judgment, and hatred. However, Christians have to stand on the truth of God’s word that men have sinned and that there are certain activities, which are considered sin.

Much of the controversy behind what is sin derived from how man handled personal sin and those of others. Some became critics, judges, and condemners, while others put no restraints on sinful activities. Yet, there is a balance.

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 (KJV)

Do not be afraid to identify certain deeds and actions as sin. When you see things as God sees them, you reveal your connection to Him. Besides God concluded all men as sinners, so that all could receive from Christ. Recognizing sin does not set an individual up for condemnation, but for the mercy and grace of God to be received.

Christ came into the world to save sinners. So, when people say that what they are doing is not wrong (when it is) then they close the door for Christ to show them His love, grace, compassion, and peace in a complete way.

Saying that something is sin does not make you a bigot, fascist, or a self-righteous person if it is tempered with presenting the forgiveness and the love that God offers in Christ. Even after coming to Christ, we have to recognize when we have erred. Why? Not that we can be condemned or condemn others, but that we may turn from them and receive the restoration and righteousness of God in our lives. All have sinned, but all have the opportunity to repent and walk in the love of Christ.

The Submitted Christian: Three Necessary Characteristics

How to surrender to the will of God! Every Christian has to come up with a game plan of surrender. In spite of internal opposition, one has to discover the will of God. However, some consistently ask, “What is the will of God?” An important question that has a simple answer. In his letter to the Romans, Paul made a clear declaration of the ultimate will of God. Even if you do not know what “calling” is on your life, just know that everyone has one calling in common.

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. (Romans 8:29)

We have to understand that the will of God for every believer is that we become like Christ. Our service to Him is secondary to our character. When we understand this, our walk with Christ will not be frustrating.

This is why Paul challenged the believers at the Roman church to present themselves to God as a living sacrifice. The way we surrender to the will of God is by presenting our bodies to the Lord. We prove what the will of God is when we live holy. In addition, we are to live separate from the world. There are three foundational components to fulfilling the will of God regardless of your area of ministry and service.

First, you must be morally upright; that is, holy. This is not denominational or occupational. It is living according to the righteous standards for morality as outlined by the scriptures.

Second, you must be separate from the ungodly influences and the course of the world’s system. When we come to Christ, we enter into His kingdom. The world is in darkness and driven by lusts. Hence, the Christian can no longer live as one who has no knowledge of God.

Third, you must be prepared to be conformed to the image of Christ. Many do not progress in their relationship with Christ due to lack of expectation. They do not believe they can actually be like Christ. They use their humanity as an excuse to continue to please themselves and their desires. However, Christians have to develop a desire to surrender to God above their desire to please their personal wishes.

The will of God is to have sons and daughters. Therefore, when Christ came, He came in the form of a son. He was to be the pattern that we should follow. He lived a holy and righteous life and He never conformed to the world’s system, but He came in affirmation and demonstration of the Father’s love and character. This is the foundation of surrendering to the will of God.