Endorsing Sin
Romans 1:18 notes the punishment God plans to bring upon the ungodly. Paul writes, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness…” Clearly, God will punish those who sin. In fact, many damnable acts are mentioned in the verses following verse 18. However, Paul also places an addendum upon those worthy of “the wrath of God” in the final verse of the chapter. He writes, “…those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them” (1:32, NKJV)
The NASB translates the last verse, “…those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.” This passage not only condemns the act of sin. It also condemns those who approve, endorse or condone sinful acts. Therefore, as Christians, it is important we be very careful not to endorse sin. Even so, many may unintentionally or unknowingly do so. Consider a few examples of sin followed by some questions intended to provoke thought and introspection depending on the situation.
Adultery (Galatians 5:19)—Would attending the wedding of someone with no lawful right to remarry be a seeming endorsement of adultery? What about attending a ceremony for a “homosexual union?”
Fornication (Galatians 5:19)—Would allowing an unmarried couple to sleep together in your home be a seeming endorsement of fornication? What about throwing a “baby shower” for an out-of-wedlock pregnancy? How about handing out “birth control” to our teen daughter or condoms to our unmarried son?
Uncleanness (Galatians 5:19)—Do we show our approval or disapproval by laughing at someone’s (TV, movies) dirty joke or filthy language without rebuke?
Lewdness (Galatians 5:19)—What is implied by many when we chaperone the school dance or buy our children their outfit and ticket for the prom and other events where “lewdness” is common?
Sorcery (Galatians 5:20)—Would paying for a psychic, palm reader or spiritist be an endorsement of such modern-day forms of sorcery?
Hatred, Contentions, Jealousies, Outbursts of Wrath (Galatians 5:20)—If we enjoy stirring up fights and creating arguments between others are we encouraging and promoting sin in the lives of others (sometimes this happens through gossip, slander, exaggeration, lies and rumors)?
Selfish Ambitions, Dissensions, Heresies (Galatians 5:20)—Is it a sin to give our approval or financial support to a group known widely to teach heresy and to be religiously divisive by their unbiblical teaching?
Envy, Murders (Galatians 5:21)—Was it wrong for Pilate to allow the Jews to crucify Jesus when he knew they had “handed Him over because of envy” (Matthew 27:18) and he had the power to reverse the situation?
Drunkeness, Revelries (Galatians 5:21)—Does it indicate we enjoy and approve of the presence of drunken revelry if we attend the parties, clubs and bars where such action is the focal point though not imbibing ourselves?
1 Thessalonians 5:21-22, “But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil” (NASB).
March 2009