Why do We Focus on Some Sins and Ignore Others?

I read a report on our nation's changing attitude toward the gay/lesbian issue.  The author of the study was Gregory Smith of Pew Research.  The question was: Would you be upset if your child was gay/lesbian?  The question was posed to over 2,000 Americans across the age groups.  As expected, the openness to gays and lesbians increased as ages decline.  Among the silent generation (roughly those over 65) 55% said they would be bothered, while 29% of millennials (ages 18-35) would be upset.  Boomer (ages 50-65) and members of generation X (ages 35-50) fell somewhere in between at 47% and 36% respectively.

There was one aspect of the study that bothered me.  It is the use of the term "upset."  There are lots of things that cause me concern and "upset" me.  The gay/lesbian issue is one of them, so as it is worded I probably would have said "yes."  But I am also concerned about our nation's declining values and economic disparity.   It troubles me that some people have substance abuse issues and others are addicted to pornography.   Bottom line: Any sin or violation of God's desire for his people troubles me.

It still troubles me when a young person who I have ministered to in the past announces to the world that they are gay/lesbian.  Several of my former students from Lutheran High are married to same sex partners.  Am I concerned and upset about that, yes, but I am also troubled when former students have substance abuse issues, experience broken relationships and divorce, or disassociate themselves with the church.   Sure, I am upset, concerned and troubled, but I still love and care about them.

That is where we have gone wrong as a church.  We are willing to tolerate some sins but choose to make a "big deal" out of others.  I recall one situation at a church I served years ago.  One of the lay leaders of the congregation had a serious drinking issue.  Most people knew it but we tolerated that and actually tried to protect him: Yes, even I drove him home on one occasion.  Then another "pillar of the church" had an affair that ultimately led to a divorce, and the entire congregational community ostracized him.

We are all broken people.  I have my spiritual struggles, and I regularly confess them to God.  I am grateful that I have a Savior who accepts me for who I am, and continues to empower me to become who he wants me to be.  I also am surrounded by family and friends who love me as well.  I am blessed to be part of a community that supports and encourages me.  I truly believe that is what the world desires.  We are all surrounded by brokenness.  Embrace those who are struggling with issues like their sexuality, or substance abuse.  Love them, and help them to grow in their relationship with the Savior who has the power to help them overcome the sins of this world.