Finally somebody with a loud voice has called sin, sin

The recent controversy over the statements made by Phil Robertson from Duck Dynasty has brought to light several separate but related issues. The question was essentially what is sin? Phil answered the question with a paraphrased quote from Corinthians. The hostile response by some surprised me, but Phil’s response was exactly what the Bible not only instructs us to do but demands from real Christians. He quoted from the owner’s manual of Christians. Matthew 10:33 “But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.”

By extension this includes the Bible and the teachings thereof. This is where the controversy should have ended but it hasn’t. Instead some people have decided to complain about what the Bible has to say about their lifestyle. The Bible clearly states that is you have an issue with the Bible it is not with the messenger that quotes from the Bible, it is with God himself 1 Thessalonians 4:8 “He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.”

In short don’t shoot the messenger. Getting mad at Phil for what he said is like blaming the mechanic for a blown engine in a car because you (the owner operator) never changed the oil in the car. After the list in the Bible quote given by Phil he went on to quote the rest of the associated scripture of what happens to a person who engages in the listed activities. This is a simple logic just as the blown engine should not be a surprise to someone who does not change the oil in the car.

Some have stated that Phil is judging that group of people, and again it is not Phil who was or will be judging those people. Just as a responsible mechanic would tell a person that is not doing maintenance on a car that they need to, to get positive results. Phil identified sin and the results of the sin. In fact, he went on to say that he loved those people despite what they were doing was against the Bible. He loved those people enough to put himself in a position of criticism by telling them what the Bible says. Just as a good parent corrects their children. Just as most children at some point tell their parents that they hate them for being corrected, some people hate God when they learn that what they are doing is against God. These people who are angry with Phil for what he said they should take the issue up with God, the author of the Bible, not the messenger of the Bible.

If a person has an issue with how many times the oil should be changed in a car they shouldn’t get mad at the mechanic for problems it take it up with the manufacture of the car. As a final note to the subject, a true Christian could care less who, is sleeping with who, but God does.

Although related something else must be kept in mind. Loving, and judging each other, takes place here on earth, what happens in heaven happens in heaven. This may come as a surprise to some but these are two different places. From his statements Phil obviously understands this. However, many don’t seem to understand these separate but related issues.

Many who teach the Bible today leave out what is sin because they don’t wish to anger anybody or loose members of the church and the financial support that they bring. In short they are selling a feel good message in exchange for financial gain. Another way of stating it is they are selling their message to the highest bidder. Here is another tip that will surprise some — God isn’t for sale. The Bible warns of this many times. Paul one of the most prolific writers of the New Testament supported himself through tent making. I often wonder how many preachers would continue to preach if the financial support from the church were removed. Phil gave a clear picture of what a man of Christian conviction will say when the threat of financial support is not a part of the equation.

I’m not a duck hunter. In fact, I don’t know one duck from another. But I’m going to buy one of their duck calls as a small statement of support. In fact, I would suggest that those that support Phil go and purchase one of their duck calls, let’s quietly send a message of support and unity. If every store that carries there duck calls were bought out for months that message would be far louder than any boycott of A&E that will be forgotten in a week. Finally somebody with a loud voice has called sin, sin a refreshing change of the idea of Christianity for sale.

Mike Blodgett is chaplain for Lighthouse Chapel in Wasilla. Contact him at lighthouse_chapelak@yahoo.com.