From the Pulpit: God is not anonymous

There are a number of issues that are “taboo” to talk about at church. Not because it’s wrong to discuss them. Because we’re afraid to address – or admit – them.

What will they think if they find out what I used to do? Will this person even talk to me anymore if she/he knew I: steal, masturbate, look at porn, cheat on my taxes, cuss a lot, don’t act “churchy”?

As a pastor, I have the privilege to share the love of Jesus that forgives and doesn’t hold these things against anyone. This doesn’t mean God overlooks them. It also doesn’t mean He dwells on them. Jesus was judged. Jesus died on the cross. Jesus forgives. End of story. At least, it should be.

Why is it that we’re afraid to admit our wrong? To open up about who we really are? To confess our struggles (so we can truly seek help)? And at church, of all places! Once you start attending church, are your issues supposed to magically disappear? You’re now automatically better than “those people?” True, we should be held accountable to certain expectations. But we’re setting ourselves up for failure if we think we can actually achieve any kind of perfection. We’re hypocritical as we expect “others” to do the same, and judge them when they noticeably don’t.

We talk about forgiveness, but we’re not quick to forgive. We talk about being accepting, but we think twice about welcoming that person who: is different than us, isn’t “as good” as us, who everyone knows has done… (you fill in the blank). Is that really how we’re supposed to treat others?

In AA, NA, even SA, individuals come together, not to judge or condemn, but to acknowledge a struggle and support one another in overcoming that struggle. That confession isn’t possible if the community doesn’t foster it. Why is it that at SA people are more willing to share these personal details? Perhaps we should ask: Why is it that, at church, we’re not?

While someone may walk into an aforementioned meeting and remain anonymous, sharing nothing more than a first name, God is never anonymous. He always shares who He is. He openly tells what He’s done. Jesus died on the cross to cleanse, forgive and renew, and He rose to life on Easter to promise eternal life with no more struggles. He fosters openness. He gives you a reason to trust. He will never divulge your secret. He won’t excuse your behavior. But He won’t rub it in your face either. He’s not anonymous. Because of Jesus, we know Him. And you can trust Him.