No PC Prayers

Scripture: Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure. 1 Timothy 5:22

Observation: Many times, especially in the new testament, elders are instructed to lay hands on others to heal, bless, absolve, and nurture others. It is something we do regularly in the church today, and something I have done as an elder. However, in this verse, Paul is warning about doing it hastily, and that warning is associated with the second half of the warning - do not share in the sins of others.

In the case of sin, there is a significant difference between 'absolving' someone - helping them pray for forgiveness and repentance - and in comforting someone - making them feel accepted and acceptable while they are still 'in' their sin. That is the issue Paul is addressing. He is warning Timothy against condoning - even accepting - sin through the act of laying on of hands in a comforting manner. He even goes further by indicating that doing this makes Timothy complicit in the sin, sharing in it.

Application: It is this exact issue we struggle with when it comes to "political correctness". Political correctness always starts as an attempt to make people feel good about themselves. Our job at the church is not to make people feel good about themselves, but rather to let people know they are loved by God and redeemed through Jesus. THAT is something to feel GREAT about! 

However, we err when we start that effort by telling people that everything they do is perfectly okay. That doesn't mean to yell at them about sin! But the real issue, then, is how we pray for others.

We must pray for them as people, for them to feel loved, and for God to reach them. We must also pray for them to be released from sins and addictions. We must NOT pray for them to feel okay about sins, or to be happy with who they are.

Once again, it's about love from God, not acceptance by the world.

Prayer: Lord, keep me focused on the message of your love. That is THE good news ... that you love the world. Everything else follows. When I pray for others, may I be focused on that love pouring into their lives, and trust that you'll take care of the rest. Amen.