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Sinning Responsibly
We are witnessing more commercials, both on the radio and television,
which contain messages that either imply or expressly state that one may
sin “responsibly.” “Sin responsibly?” you ask. “I don’t recall ever
hearing that slogan.” Well, consider...
For quite some time now, the producers of certain birth control products
have aimed a large portion of their advertisements at unmarried men and
women who have sexual relations with multiple partners. “Commit
fornication all you like,” seems to be the pitch, “as long as you do it
responsibly, protecting you and your partner from AIDS.” We ask one
simple question, however: In what way can one commit such acts
“responsibly”? Fornication is a “work of the flesh,” and the
Bible says that the “sexually immoral... shall have their part in the
lake which burns with fire and brimstone” (Galatians 5:19;
Revelation 21:8). How can it be considered “responsible” for one to
engage in an act with another person which (if not repented of) will
cost both individuals their souls?
In like manner, beer advertisers have in the last few years begun to end
their commercials with the line, “Drink responsibly.” But again, how can
this possibly be done? The imbibing of alcohol in a beverage is sinful.
Those who “walk in” “drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties”
will “give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the
dead” (1 Peter 4:3,5).
And now we have the Kentucky Lottery Board sponsoring commercials which
end as well with such a sentiment: “Play responsibly.” But once again,
how can one so “play”? Playing the lottery is gambling, and gambling is
wrong. We offer these questions: How is it “responsible” for one to
covet (which is what happens in gambling) that which rightfully belongs
to someone else? (see Colossians 3:5-6) How is it “responsible” to play
a game which operates on the principles of “What’s yours, I want, and I
don’t care what happens to you” and “I hope I can do it unto you before
you do it unto me”?
Oh, we understand fully what these advertisers mean when they speak of
using their products or services “responsibly.” They are seeking to help
their customers avoid some of the temporal consequences that many times
come from their use (AIDS, unwanted pregnancies, alcoholism, DUI’s,
gambling addictions, etc.). But unfortunately they find it convenient to
turn a blind eye to those eternal consequences which really matter.
After all, doesn’t the Bible say that “the wages of sin is death”?
(Romans 6:23)
Friend, you cannot engage in any type of sinful behavior (no matter how
moderately) and still yet be doing it “responsibly.” Please realize that
all will be held “responsible” for such. “For we must all appear
before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things
done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad”
(2 Corinthians 5:10).
--Mike Noble
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