Dramatic

Dear Dramatic:
I’m not suggesting you play only goodie-good roles. For example, if no one was willing to play the role of Judas, think of all the great Easter productions we’d miss out on! But because you’re a Christian, I’m hoping you’ll be selective in the roles you choose.

Christ should be evident in your life on stage and off. But we’re really not just talking about acting. The goal of a Christian is to imitate Christ (see Ephesians 5:1) and to reflect the fruit of the Holy Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23). So whatever you do—whether it’s accounting, law, teaching, singing, construction, sales—strive to bring glory to your heavenly Father in your actions.

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17).

Dear Susie:
A guy at my church has asked me out. I really like him. The problem? He’s not a virgin. I’m technically a virgin, but I’m not sexually pure. I’ve had phone sex a lot in the past. I feel horrid thinking about it now, and I’ve asked God to forgive me. I want His help to do what’s right, but I’m just so mixed up in all of this. What should I do now?

Confused

Dear Confused:
I’m glad you’ve repented and asked God to forgive you. Please know that He has. I hope you’ve set up accountability and boundaries to keep you from veering down that pathway again.

If your guy friend has genuinely repented of his sin, God has forgiven him, too. But wise choices mean not placing yourself in temptation’s way. I don’t think going out with him would be a wise choice. Notice I didn’t say a wrong choice; I said it wouldn’t be a wise choice.

Why? Because you’ve both had trouble with boundaries in the past, you’re setting yourself up if you date exclusively. Consider doing things with groups of people. You can still get to know one another, and you’ll be less tempted with other Christian friends around to hold you accountable.

Dear Susie:
In my Bible class we’re discussing sin. My teacher says that all sins are not equal in God’s eyes, and some are unforgivable. I know that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is an unforgivable sin, but I‘ve always thought God viewed sins as equal. Who’s right?

Wondering

Dear Wondering:
The Bible does say in Mark 3:29 that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is unforgivable. And in the very next verse, we’re given a description of what blasphemy is: It’s giving Satan credit for God’s workings.

Other than blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, are all other sins equal? Not according to Christ. Check out John 19:11. Jesus clearly tells Pilate that Judas’ sin of betrayal is greater than the sin Pilate is committing against Him.

Some sins have immediate consequences while other sins carry consequences that kick in later. One thing is common in every sin, however, and that’s whether “big or small,” sin cuts us off from fellowship with our heavenly Father. That’s why we should ask for forgiveness . . . we want to restore the bond we have with God. Another thing all sin has in common is that all sin carries consequences.

For example, sex outside of marriage is sin; so is gossip. God will forgive both. But a girl who has sinned sexually faces the regret of never being able to give her husband her virginity as her wedding gift. She may also have flashbacks of past sexual partners when she’s trying to focus on pleasing her husband.

And, as the apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 6:18, “All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.”

One who gossips also experiences consequences: She may lose some friendships because of what she’s said about others. More important, as Matthew indicates in Matthew 12:36, we’ll someday give an account to the Lord for our words. Our speech is important to God because it can be used for good and for evil. No sin goes unseen by God. But He has given us the Holy Spirit to guide us in the decisions we make every day.