Moralism
Moralism is a system of belief that believes the outside of a sinner's cup can be cleaned before the inside is changed. It is subtle and has crept into the church.
You may be a moralist if:
You are upset when sinners sin.
When you feel inconvenienced because of the sin in your neighborhood.
When you spend time reading about the sin of others.
When you sign petitions against certain sins.
When you see a sinner unredemptively.
When you believe sin can be controlled legislatively.
When you join hands with unbelievers over moral issues.
When you believe God is interested in changing the culture.
When you have a sin cast system.
When you preach morals to unbelievers.
When you see the sins of others as much worse than your sin.
When you seem to suggest being pro-life is a fruit of the Spirit.
When you feel the need to combat the homosexual agenda.
When you drive ten miles over the speed limit while on your way to an anti-gay marriage rally.
When you drive the speed limit while on your way to an anti-gay rally.
When you picket abortion clinics but do not adopt.
When you picket anywhere.
When you believe a sinner must give up certain sins before he can be saved.
When you place the Ten Commandments on public walls.
When you mix the Law with the gospel.
I can recognize some of me in that list...before God showed me what a hypocrite I am, and how I was missing the mark-Jesus on the cross, willingly, and full of grace, and for whom? The same people we complain about, that some of us once were. Thankfully, the Lord corrected me.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder, Rick. I think it's needed to be reminded now and again.
Lorena