Earlier this week I mentioned seven categories people can fall into when they’re inauthentic. Today, I want to explore the top five offenses that people struggle with, especially when already living distanced from God.
These offenses are: the fake offense, the stealth offense, the sneak offense, the power offense, and the nuclear offense. Judas is someone who fits into all of these categories! Everything about him was fake; he was stealthy, serving alongside Jesus in ministry but actually betraying Him all along. He snuck around behind Jesus’ back, stealing for himself what should have gone to all of the disciples. Also, he was consumed with the idea of power and control. Ultimately, he committed the “nuclear” offense and turned Jesus in. These offenses are a perfect example of how not to live!
Take some time to read through Luke 6:28-35. This passage of Scripture will challenge you to rethink how you react to people and to different situations. It’s so normal and natural in our culture to “respond in kind”—someone hurts you, and you hurt him back! But is this what Jesus would do? The Bible tells says “…bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke 6:28). This isn’t to suggest that you should let people walk all over you, and as I’ve said in the past, you don’t have an obligation to enable people. This is about selflessness—being willing to put others before yourself, be willing to put the genuine needs of others before your needs.
This is exactly what Christ did on the cross. He was betrayed and abandoned, but rather than turn on people, He allowed them to crucify Him so He could show you how much He loves you. Offense was thrown at someone who was unoffendable. Can you be like Christ and be unoffendable?