I mentioned a few weeks ago that I teach Ethics, and each week I am offered a variety of ethical challenges to the church from the culture. This week, however, one stands out as utterly ridiculous and it comes from the church. The American Christian church this week is being seen as either shameful or totally hypocritical in the eyes of the watching world.
I’m sure many of you have heard and perhaps watched the video of the South Carolina 13th Annual Prayer Breakfast and of the South Carolina Congresswoman, Nancy Mace, who welcomed people to the event and introduced Senator Tim Scott.
Unfortunately, the congresswoman made a few impromptu comments as to how difficult it was for her to be on time to the prayer breakfast. She said her delay was because of her fiancé earlier in the morning, requesting her to stay in bed. She reminded him that she’d be back later and that there would be plenty of time for “that” later that night.
It did not seem to cross her mind that telling the audience about her fornication in the midst of introducing the prayer breakfast was a bit, shall we say--- incongruent. Evidently this woman is a Christian and she gave her testimony later in the morning to the audience. She attends an evangelical church which is reported to be the same church that Senator Scott attends.
The world has every right to poke fun and make jokes at us if not ridicule and condemn us for our hypocrisy. (One wonders if the Babylon Bee will make comment.)
It Is well known that fornication as well as cohabitation have increased due to the progressive impulse and the moral revolution that has taken place in our country. But when the church exhibits such stupidity or hypocrisy is it any wonder that the world is not really interested in our message? I’m sure the congresswoman is not stupid nor a hypocrite; biblically untaught and spiritually immature in her faith I have no doubt. But the world looks at her and us as no different than they are and certainly not in need of a moral lecture or a spiritual experience.
Jesus said, “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.” We tend to be very good lawyers when it comes to our own sin, but very good judges when it comes to the sins of others. We dare not become a circular firing squad, but we must speak with grace and truth, speaking the truth in love. Therefore, we also must seek to live a life of holiness, for as Paul exhorts the ancient church of Rome, he also exhorts the modern church in America. “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.” (Romans 13:14)
The Lord Jesus Christ offers to the world the forgiveness of sin and the free gift of eternal life; a love that can never be earned and a love that can never be lost; a new relationship. The Lord Jesus Christ offers to His church forgiveness of sins and a new depth of fellowship. The grace of God provides both.
We must remember: Christians are not better than "them." We just know Him.
Serving Him with you Until He comes for us. Fred | 
