List Of Sins That Christians Often Ignore
Some sins have become culturally acceptable. We do not call them out. We rarely even acknowledge them. And many don’t even recognize them as a sin. But this list of sins is something we should not ignore.
Now before you read this and go point your finger at others, take a look in the mirror. This isn’t a weapon to use against people, rather an opportunity to evaluate our own sin.
Here’s a list of sins that we often ignore.
List of Sins We Ignore
Gluttony
Gluttony is probably the most acceptable sin in the American church. Which is why it’s first on the list of sins we ignore. While the church is known for taken hard stances on other sins it almost glorifies the overindulgence of food, drink, and anything else we can shove in our mouth. We live in a culture of excess, but Christians should take a stance against this unhealthy behavior.
We made gluttony totally normally. But the Bible takes a different stance. It talks at length about self-control (1 Peter 1:5-7, Galatians 5:22, 2 Timothy 3:1-9). We are not to let anything control our lives. When should does control us it takes the place of God, in other words, it’s a sin. We should instead strive to practice self-control so that nothing gains control of us.
Now I’m not saying if you eat too much turkey on Thanksgiving that’s a sin. Gluttony is not an occasional indulgence rather a habitual practice. The Bible portrays occasional feasts as a good thing. But when we make a good thing an ultimate thing it ultimately becomes destructive. And for many food is a destructive force in their life. It’s become an idol.
Food is good. We should eat it and enjoy it. But we should also be careful to not let it control our lives.
Fear/Anxiety
Let me be clear, mental illness is not sinning. There are some that have an actual medical condition. I’m not proposing that those that suffer from mental illness are sinning.
What I’m talking about is the fear and anxiety that people bring on themselves by worrying about things out of their control. Whether it be politics or money or some disease you might contract. As Christians, we ought not to worry. If Jesus died and rose again, what does it matter?!” That’s what Jesus is getting at in Matthew 6:25-27.
We don’t need to worry about how much money we have. What happens to this country. Or what illness we might get in the future. At the end of the day, no one but Jesus has the power to make any impactful change on our lives. We literally have nothing to worry about or fear.
Idolatry
I know what you are thinking, I don’t have any golden statues in my house. But you still have idols. It might be that black box that hangs on your wall. It might be your social media accounts. That brick in your pocket that you stare at constantly. Your clothes, bank account, relationships, looks, and intellect can all be idols. An idol is anything that takes the place of God. We have plenty of those in our culture today.
There’s always something vying for God’s spot in our life. Money, time, social status, even technology are all trying to become the most important thing in your life.
How do you know if you have an idol? What’s the first thing you think about in the morning and the last thing at night? Whatever that is it’s a good chance that is an idol in your life. Idolatry leads to all sorts of other sins, many that are on this list of sins.
For more about idolatry check out: Modern Day Idolatry (6 Idols We Still Worship Today)
Consumerism
This certainly could fall into the previous category as an idol. But this one stands out. We are the wealthiest nation in the history of the world. Yet we are buried in debt. We are terrible managers, or stewards, of our wealth. That is a sin.
In Matthew 25:14-30 Jesus talks just about that. Although his parable isn’t exclusive to our finances, it certainly does apply. God has entrusted us with time, money, resources, and opportunities. We are charged with caring for however much, or little, he has given us. When it comes to money, we are failing.
Read more about the parable here: The Parable of the Talents
Let me make one thing clear, having money is not sin. But letting it run your life is. Using it all on yourself, and taking extra credit to spend even more is being a bad steward. God gave you what you have so you can provide for yourself, and yes, find enjoyment. But he also expects you to use it to grow his kingdom. But the American church is failing in this regard, and worse we rarely call it out or put it on any list of sins.
Nationalism
It’s a sin to put anything before God. That includes America. Our ultimate allegiance is to God, not this country. Too many in the church place their American freedoms above God’s kingdom.
This means that sometimes what is best for this country is not always what is Biblically correct. I hear far too many Christians that are more concerned with the direction of the government and not concerned enough with their neighbor. Where is your allegiance? Is it to God or country? Are you more concerned with the direction of this country or advancing the Kingdom of God?
I know this is a touchy subject. God’s Kingdom has a different set of morals and governing principles that stand in opposition to every earthly government. We need to look and see where our allegiance lies.
For more: Your Hope Is Not In Politics (a warning for Christians)
Idleness
One of the greatest temptations man faces is to be idle. It started in the Garden of Eden when Eve was tempted, Adam did nothing; he was idle. We today largely do the same. We largely don’t even protect our families. Sure we protect them from the “physical” dangers out there, but what about the spiritual dangers? Why aren’t we warning our Christian brothers and sisters when they wander off in the wrong direction? Why don’t we call out sin in our own family?
God did not call us to be idle and timid. He called us to be bold and courageous. It’s time for us to stop being idle and go get involved in others’ lives.
Comfort
Maybe this seems a little weird to be on a list of sins. But I think the greatest lie we have boughten into is that life is all about our personal comfort. It’s not. Jesus never said that his disciples would be surrounded by comfort and nice things. He actually said that in order to follow him they would have to pick up their cross in order to follow him.
Comfort isn’t bad. In fact, we are commanded to take time to rest and relax. But this is the same principle as gluttony. Too much of a good thing can become destructive. We should rest and find comfort, but that shouldn’t’ be the primary goal in our life.
What would Jesus’ life look like if he pursued comfort instead of us? It wouldn’t be a life that would change the world that’s for sure. We need to stop pursuing comfort and chase after the things after God’s heart. It will lead us to some pretty uncomfortable situations, but it will also lead to a life well-lived.
For More: Why Pain Is Actually A Blessing
This list of sins isn’t intended to be used to show how bad “they” are. It’s not ammo to shoot people with. It’s a mirror to examine yourself. My guess is there are one or two things on this list that you struggle with. For me, it’s Comfort and Consumerism. We need to each take our sins to Jesus, even the sins that are socially acceptable. We won’t see any change until we each deal with our own sins.
What would you add to this list of sins? Comment below!
I would add the word and meaning of to covet thy neighbors material things or their lives .
I definitely agree with your views on Nationalism. Trump-ism has definitely reigned supreme over the past few years with many professed Christians raising him to almost Saviour status
When I was living in a nice house , in a nice neighborhood . God started putting me to the test of my loyalties . Lead by the Holy Spirit , I went to my garage . Grabbed the USA flag .
and I threw it on the ground . Wiped my feet on it . And turned by back against it . It felt so freeing and just allowed me to be in touch more with Gods Perfect Love through His Son.
It was All a Spiritual Symbolic meaning .
you weren’t led by the Spirit. the spirit always follows the Word it says “honor the king” (baselieus in the greek – ruler of the people). II Pet. 2:17. Government is for our good, and we should be obedient and thankful. Rom. 13:1 REPENT
Like our’s have said “Wow”. This is the most misguided misinformation that I have seen in a long time. Your interpretation is right up there with, ” do not add or take away from the scriptures “.
I agree with all except I DO NOT AGREE WITH GAYS the Bible says it’s an abomination but the rest was great
I’m not sure to what you are referring to? I didn’t make a point about homosexuality except to say that we judge that sin harsher then others i.e. gluttony.
Reblogged this on The Progressive Christian Blog and commented:
tremendous article — a must-read for those who are completely serious about their faith in Christ!
YES to Nationalism. Confusing Christianity with Patriotism is lethal. It’s a very touchy subject and one that many of my friends and family confused. I see myself falling into the trap of thinking “The Unite States needs to save the world!” Jesus already did that – and that good news is spreading faster in other countries than it is here. Being a Christian is not an American birthright. Nor are we a chosen nation. I respect and submit to the rulers that God put above me, but Jesus is always King.
It’s a dangerous thing when we confuse our allegiances.
Preach! Thanks for the reply.
I have thought of writing about the sin of gluttony on my blog for a long time but haven’t had the guts to do it. Thanks for putting into words what have I wanted to say.
A comment was made about medical conditions. Well, there must be thousands more sick people now that there were 40 years ago. Obesity has gone rampant in this nation. Others will say it’s genetics, “I was made this way.” Then the gene pool has changed a LOT in the last 40 years.
It’s interesting that jokes are made all the time from the pulpit and in Christian circles about being “overweight” and dieting and food, etc., but no jokes about any other “problems” like, for example, porn. Gluttony is the one sin that totally gets a “pass” in the Church and is actually joked about. And yet food addiction happens for many of the same reasons porn addiction happens. It’s not the action but the underlying sin that is the real problem, the sin that is hidden. There are empty places that only God is to fill and can fill, that we are filing with everything but. We are turning to something other than God to fill sadness, discomfort, depression, etc. And anytime we look to anything but God to fill the void inside, it’s sin. And that includes our kids, work, play, passions, and Facebook (did I just say that?!).
What if every person at church on Sunday had to wear a T-shirt that named their internal sin. Would there be jokes then made about it? But those who have given themselves to gluttony wear it, not only to church but are then made pastors, worship leaders, band members and Sunday School teachers, advertising that not only is gluttony not a sin but is given the stamp of approval of that particular church.
I know there are those who would say your assessment ( and what I just shared) is harsh and judgemental. Then don’t point the finger when a pastor on staff at your church is caught with porn on his computer.
There. If I were to write a blog post, that is what I would say. But I was able to do it on someone elses blog, so I won’t get the flack on mine 🙂
Wow! You don’t mind “jumping on my feet” (vs just “stepping on my toes”). Great points!
Loved it! I am constantly having to repent of trusting my 401k instead of God. About anxiety – I do have a natural tendency toward that. The only cure that I have found that works and has no side effects is trusting God. Too often we turn sins into medical conditions. I have been medically diagnosed with depression. But the Bible doesn’t say, Rejoice in the Lord, always, except if you are medically diagnosed with depression. No, it gives us all the cure for depression. Yes, I have taken meds a few times, and they do help for a time. But obeying God works the best.
What about abortion?
You can make a very strong case for that being a sin. However do you think the church doesn’t acknowledge it as a sin?
Nationalism…you nailed it. Nationalism in America is frightening. God’s Kingdom has it’s own values, and we CANNOT assume that America has a monopoly on living out those values. I think this sin feels very much alive during election season, when Christians are yelling, “America is God’s nation!” and voting simply based on whether or not a politician calls him or herself a Christian.
Nationalism is tough. But the Church is in every nation and I think we need to start recognizing that. If we follow God we have no borders.
You are right! The church doesn’t acknowledge alot of these sins!
yes, yes, 7 times yes.
Nationalism is especially rampant when we turn Memorial Day/Independence Day/Veterans Day Services into worshiping those who have served rather than God.
I have no problem with our service men/women, they sacrifice a lot! However we do need to be careful who’s kingdom we put our first allegiance in.
agreed! I hope I wasn’t unclear. I was referring to Sunday morning church services which replace worship songs with patriotic songs.
Great post! Although I have heard most of those sins addressed in sermons and Bible classes the last few months–especially idolatry and comfort (and actually you could combine those two, since comfort is one of the idols you mention.) I do agree with the other commenter that you need to choose your words carefully when you address anxiety. Lack of confidence in the Lord and his promises is one thing. Free-floating anxiety is another. Some great saints have persevered through anxiety and depression, and they succeeded because of their God-given faith. J.
We actually thought about combing those two, went back and forth and decided not too. Maybe we should have! I ended the Anxiety point with a disclaimer, I should have done more, that states this is not referring to the medical condition of Anxiety or Depression. I know many people that have struggled with it and it’s a lot more then a simple choice to choose not to worry.
Lots to think on here… thankful that there is grace and forgiveness in it all!
I really liked this post! The one that stuck out to me the most was gluttony. People dont realize that if they are eating for comfort or if they are board thats what it is!
When we put anything before God it becomes our god and is a sin.
This is a great post – I’m thankful to belong to a church that regularly stands against all of these things. (We actually just went through a series on “High Places” and studied different kinds of idolatry, and my pastor frequently talks about gluttony, anxiety and the other things you listed.) I am curious on what you think we should be doing as far as the homosexual agenda goes – the Bible IS clear that it is a sin, and while I do agree that many Christians are outright mean to the people partaking in the sin of homosexuality, and we often don’t do enough about other sins, we still need to remind them that it is a sin and like every sin (whether how big or small it may be according to our standards!) we have to repent from it in order to be saved. I’d like to hear more about how you think we should be standing against sin such as that. 🙂
That sounds like a great series your church did!
We are actually in the process of writing an article on homosexuality. It will be coming out next Monday. You are right the Bible is clear that practicing homosexuality is sin. But being same-sex attracted is NOT a sin. Being tempted by something is not sin, acting on it is. We often treat it like it’s the worst sin ever, I suspect because we don’t understand it. What frustrates me in the church is when people go to someone that struggles with same-sex attraction and tells them a sinner. That’s not helpful. If someone is not following Jesus the first issue is not their sin. Their first issue is that they do not know the love the God has for them. They need to know that love first. Repentance comes in response to God’s love, you don’t repent to get His love.
I think we also need to understand the complexity. Homosexuality it is not a simple choice that someone makes. It’s not something they can just turned off. It will most likely be something that they struggle with the rest of their life, even after following God. It’s also something we need to understand is part of their identity, at least in their eyes. So when we call it a sin we are calling them not good enough.
Bottom line is we need to figure out how to stand 100% on Grace and 100% on Truth. Jesus was able to say some of the hardest truths to people and they knew he loved them. Jesus was also able to forgive the worst of sinners. We need that balance. I think the answer is to build relationships with the homosexual community. Not with any agenda other then to get to know them as people. This isn’t a black and white issue. If we want to reach this community we need to be a lot more comfortable with the grey.
When you say being tempted by something is not a sin but acting on it is, what about thou shall not covet another man’s wife or another man’s property? Or am I misunderstanding this passage?
Here’s a post we wrote on this: https://www.rethinknow.org/2016/06/06/3-ways-the-church-turns-away-the-lgbt-community/
Thanks for sending me the link! Going to read it this evening!
The link is down . Did you take the message down ?
Boom! That just dropped like a bomb. Someone had to say it and I like the way you put it. Good stuff. Sharing.
Thanks for reading and sharing!
I partially agree with your list. Gluttony is a problem. However, nobody should confuse being overweight with gluttony. Some folks literally are that way genetically, recent studies have proven it. Also, as someone who had to take high doses of steroids(Prednisone) for three years for my inflammatory arthritis and went from 155 to 235 can tell you, medicines can cause this. I’m on medications today that still cause some weight gain. Actually, gluttony can be many things. Too much food, too much drink. “Hoarders” come to mind.
Fear and Anxiety you need to be careful with. I used to think this way until we two family tragedies occur at the same time. The strain and duration of the events literally cause my mind to break after it was all over. The doctor described it similar to breaking a bone or a severe sprain caused by over stressing a given organ, bone, tendon. Unfortunately, the brain doesn’t respond like a bone and muscle. Net result, chemical imbalance. I can function today, but I can have an anxiety episode literally out of the blue. Nothing worrying me, just suddenly feeling like I can’t breath, full blown panic attack….over nothing. As I understand it, I’m actually pretty minor compared to PTSD and others. I think it’s worth pointing out there is a difference between being anxious and fearful about a thing, and just having the condition. You can pray until you are blue in the face, but if God doesn’t heal the imbalance, it’s not going anywhere.
Not sure I agree on comfort. I get people can live for comfort, but I think that falls under idleness. Comfort itself is a blessing. What you do with it is what is important. To you bless others who are weary so they can receive the comfort they need, or do you selfishly hang on to it.
On idolatry I have to say I used to think your way, until I travelled a month in India. I also have some Hindu friends upon my return. Our materialism doesn’t come close to idolatry. Unless someone is offering sacrifices to their car and believing it is possessed by the spirit of a god, it’s not really idolatry. Materialism is real though. When you say you don’t have money to give the church because you have to pay for your new BMW, that’s a sin. Oh, and don’t worry, God will help teach your how to prioritize your money if you won’t. There again though, it’s what you do with your blessings. If God has given you much, and you give to those who need, then God will bless that, it is no sin.
You brought some very good points! Specifically for gluttony/anxiety there are medical conditions that do not apply to what I was talking about. And being overweight doesn’t equal gluttony. You can in fact struggle with gluttony and be normal weight. You are right having a condition is very different. Especially when it comes to any mental issue. I’m not suggesting that we just pray and God will solve those issues. If there is a medical condition we need to pray and then seek medical help.
We actually thought about combining and idleness into one point, but we decided they were slightly different. You are right comfort isn’t bad, it’s when your whole life revolves around gaining greater levels of comfort.
I have seen more traditional idolatry practice and it is still alive and well around the world. However I think there are different kinds of idolatry and in our culture it is alive and well. It looks much different then the Bible days and what it looks like in eastern cultures, but it is still here.
According to Gods own words he considers / Covetousness as Idolatry Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming.
Wow! You’ve touched on some big issues. I will be interested to see the response you get to this post! Your thoughts had me pause and reflect at several points…so thank you for challenging me to “look in the mirror” this morning.
Thanks for stopping by! Our whole goal is to make people stop and think for a moment. We certainly don’t have all the answers, but if we can make some stop, think, and pray, that’s what we want.