Vol. 3, #11, May 16, 2004

I’m not a Sinner,

I’m Spiritually Challenged!

Written by Christopher Mentzer

Thirty years ago you could state that someone was handicapped or disabled, be it mentally or physically. Today, however, you can’t use either of these words for they are not politically correct. They prefer the term “challenged” which gives them a more positive outlook than something demeaning.

Even in the Church people are taking political correctness seriously. Rather than offend someone by calling him or her a sinner, they might use the term “Spiritually challenged” to make one feel more at ease. That’s one of the reasons why the invitation isn’t offered at the end of the lesson. They don’t want people to feel uncomfortable and made to come forward to the front of the building having their sins put in the spotlight. Instead they invite those who need help to see the preacher afterwards and express concern for their own spiritual well being.

Jesus wasn’t politically correct. He called people Sinners, Hypocrites, and other names which would be entirely unheard of in today’s society. Perhaps they’d send our Saviour to sensitivity training so as not to offend those around him.

Look at Mark 2: 15-17, “15. And it came to pass, that he was sitting at meat in his house, and many publicans and sinners sat down with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him. 16. And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with the sinners and publicans, said unto his disciples, `How is it' that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners? 17. And when Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of a physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” Those who go to doctor are in need of one primarily because they are sick. Should we call them health challenged? Just like the righteous have no need of healing but sinners do.

Now let’s look at Matt. 18: 11-13, “For the Son of man came to save that which was lost.' 12. How think ye? if any man have a hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and go unto the mountains, and seek that which goeth astray? 13. And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth over it more than over the ninety and nine which have not gone astray.” If one goes astray it is better to leave those who aren’t lost behind to search for the one who is lost. Jesus goes looking for the lost and so should we.

This is the primary reason we offer the invitation at the close of the lesson. It’s an appeal to those who are sick (in sin) and need healing (forgiveness). And also to those who are members of the flock (church) who have gone astray and need to return. We shouldn’t cloak the importance of the invitation for fear of offending. If one is offended, then they need to examine their own lives and see how they compare to the Word of God. Read 2 Cor. 13 and see Paul’s appeal to the church in Corinth. Some of them had gone astray and needed to return to the truth.

Jesus summed it best in Matt. 11: 28-30, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” The invitation is for all who will hear the voice of God and will hear those who speak on His behalf (Rev. 22: 17).