At times, it seems as though we have created a celebrity of sin in the pro life movement. In order to promote our agenda we sometimes exalt people to tell us of their past, sinful life. The bigger the sins, the more we want them front and center.
Of course, it is good to be in awe of the work of God in their lives, but often they are used to show how wrong abortion is, without thinking of their personal salvation and the danger of celebrity in their life. It has caused me to wonder at times, are we sinning and putting their souls in danger by doing this?
Did you ever see the movie “The Devils Advocate” with Kevin (Keanu Reeves) as a lawyer lured in by self love, money, and success? Al Pacino plays Milton, the head of a law firm but really the devil, manipulating and tempting Kevin so as to possess his soul. It does not take much, Kevin is a sinner, as we all are, and falls into the traps laid for him. In the end, it appears Kevin converts and has finally seen the truth, chosen well, and broken free of the devil’s grasp. We cheer him on but we then realize the devil has just taken another road to claim his soul. "Vanity. Definitely my favorite sin,” the devil proclaims as Kevin once again falls for his tricks.
Sin is a funny thing, it can be obviously evil, but it can also hide its ugly head in what we may see are good intentions. It always appeals to our weaknesses, and sadly, we all too often fall for its enticements while thinking we are doing good. It is difficult to remain humble when exalted and as the bible warns us, “Pride goes before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”
When someone is new to faith and turning away from sin, especially a grave sin, they are often desperate for understanding and forgiveness. They are eager to please and may do things they are not particularly ready for, in order to gain acceptance.
Still wading through the darkness in search of God and truth, they often believe that by doing these things, they can make up for their sins and then be forgiven. They are not able to grasp that forgiveness is obtained only through the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus and has nothing to do with what they did or did not do or are doing. It is a total sacrifice given freely in payment for our sins.
I have heard the stories of many who stepped out too soon. Not too long ago a woman called me who had spoken publicly at the urging of others. Her family did not even know about her abortion when she chose to give public testimony. She longed for acceptance, but instead, she damaged her family relationships when her children found out about her abortion through other people. They were no longer speaking to her and she was devastated. She obviously needed much more personal healing. She was also further hurt because she realized she was exploited to fulfill an agenda.
Once past the initial desire for acceptance and embraced by the mercy of God, she recognized she had been used. She had trusted those who urged her on to have her best interests at heart. After all, they were pro life Christians right?
While testimonies are powerful and necessary and good, I think we also need to look at our roles and ask ourselves some questions. Are we promoting a “celebrity of sin” and putting our souls and the souls of others in danger? Are we exploiting others because we want their stories out there to show the wrong of abortion whether it is someone who had one, worked in a clinic, or a family member? Are we concerned first and foremost with their individual healing knowing they are a child of God who He loves and longs to be reconciled with? Do we lead them to ministry or counseling, giving them the time they need to heal and trusting when they are ready that it will be God, and not us, who tells them what to do? Do we pray for them and their healing daily? Is it about the individual person or is it about what we think should be happening?
I truly believe if we minister to each soul because we care about THAT soul, that unique person formed by God, if we truly desire their healing, we would not have a “celebrity of sin,” but an army of humble souls, truly healed souls, ready to do battle in the way God desires them to do it. God in His wisdom would make clear to them His plan for them as individual people, each with their own dignity, talents, strengths, and weaknesses. He, who knows them better than any of us ever will, will direct their paths and also supply the graces needed to carry them out in peace no matter what obstacles come their way.
"Vanity. Definitely my favorite sin.”
May we always avoid the celebrity of sin which can make us think we are something we are not, and obstruct the ability to see ourselves in truth before God knowing that it is His mercy alone that saves us.
