Pastor Scott's Message

Last Sunday in Adult Bible Class I presented "Sin as a Destructive Coping Mechanism." I was encouraged by the response. People shared their struggles and we all grew in empathy for one another. This Sunday we will continue the discussion. Here is what I shared...

The problem: The word sin seems archaic. People see it as an arbitrary list of taboos. Sin is complex and can be defined in many ways. The Bible defines sin in terms of lawlessness (1 Jn 3:4), a debt (Matt 6:12), disobedience (Romans 5:19), fault (Matt 18:5), grossly unfair (Ps 38:18), trespass (Romans 5:17), unbelief (John 3:18), and missing the mark. All of these definitions help us to see the reality of sin and its impact. Putting sin into a modern framework can help people to realize that the Bible’s warnings are true, honest and applicable to them. Updated definitions can also give us empathy for those who are struggling. Sin is a destructive coping mechanism. The ancients would not have understood those words but we do. We sin because we falsely believe that it will improve our life. It is a reaction to the pain already in us and around us. We have all suffered trauma to one degree or another. Sin is our attempt to control an out of control situation. We are sin addicts who believe that the next hit will take the pain away. Also like addicts we all have our sin of choice, the one tailored to our broken life. Ultimately, sin never brings the relief, control and joy we seek. We do it because it feels like the best choice but it just pulls us down into more misery. Alcoholics say that their disease wants to kill them. Our sin wants to kill us. It is a destructive coping mechanism. All destructive coping mechanisms are isolating, self-centered, denial-oriented, rationalizations, suppressive, and evidence of brokenness. Some of these sins are beyond our control. They are imprinted on us by our parents, society or our DNA. Some of these conditions in the extreme are clinical disorders that require medication and therapy. In fact any sin can become compulsive and make life unmanageable. Other sins are very much in our control.

The best coping mechanism is to have healthy relationships with others and God. The healthiest person sees things the way God sees them. A perfectly healthy person sees himself or herself accurately but in light of God’s love. She sees both broken sinner and forgiven saint. This applies to others as well. The healthiest person wants the best for others and does not use the people they encounter as an object to satisfy their own needs and desires. The best coping mechanism is to receive love from above and give it out. Any coping mechanism not done in love is sin. Thankfully, Christ came to solve the problem. He did not come to bring the law or coping mechanisms but to save the world through his death and resurrection. We are right with God through Jesus Christ. But the effects of a broken world remain. All coping mechanisms should reflect this reality. We are loved children of God who are no longer slaves to sin.

All coping mechanisms are temporary. They are for this time and place. There will come a day when Christ returns and the old will pass away and the new heaven and earth will be established. Sin will be wiped away so there will be no need for coping with sin.