How often have you heard someone lament the state of the world today? “The world today _____.” Depending on your age, you can insert whatever is different from the world “today” than it was before today. Most likely something from the person’s youth lamenting the world’s declined position. 

Whenever I’m in a group prayer, I always hear someone pray against sin. Not that we (Christians) should be alert to it. Instead, someone laments the corruption in the world. Perhaps they say, “Lord, there’s so much sin in the world today.” My question is this. Should we, as Christians, pay attention to sin? 

In Romans 1, Paul gives us this insight.

Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them (emphasis added).

Romans 1:32 (NIV)

This verse perfectly describes our world today. So much so that the things that were abominable and despised by society as recently as twenty years ago are applauded today as “normal.” It’s as if society’s moral compass is now spinning around with no hope of ever being correctly aligned. 

Paul wrote Romans 1:32 around 50 AD, almost 2,000 years ago. Psalm 10, which we believe was written during the Babylonian captivity (539 BC), gives us this insight.

He boasts about the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the Lord.

Psalm 10:3 (NIV)

About 2,512 years ago, the Psalmist wrote that people basically did the same thing Paul wrote about in Romans 1:32. The same thing we see today.

Think about that for a moment.

Okay, now let’s consider something the writer of Hebrews said.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles [distracts]. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)

In Hebrews 12, the writer was teaching us to endure in our race to salvation. The writer warns us in this race to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.” Sin slows us down, and it distracts us. My sin, your sin, the sins of the world. What does the writer tell us to do instead?

Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

That’s right. The writer of Hebrews tells us to fix our eyes on Jesus. Is there anywhere else in the Bible where we get instruction about what or who we should focus on? 

You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You Because he trusts in You.

Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV)

In Isaiah 26:3, we’re promised that if we keep our minds fixed on the Lord, he will keep us in perfect peace. In Psalm 27, David wrote, “My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek” (Psalm 27:8 NIV), and Jesus gave us this insight in Matthew.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (emphasis added).

Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

Don’t get me wrong, the Bible has much to say about sin, but does it tell us to focus on it? When I think about it, I cannot think of anywhere in the Bible where it tells us to focus on sin. Especially the sin of others. 

Some might think, “The Bible tells us to resist sin.” No, it does not. The Bible gives us this insight.

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

James 4:7 (NIV)

Peter writes.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

1 Peter 5:8-9 (NIV)

Paul told the Corinthians. 

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)

Scripture tells us to humble ourselves before God and to resist the devil, remembering that God doesn’t allow us to be tempted (which isn’t sin) beyond what we can bear, and when we are tempted, God will provide a way out. Furthermore, we must be sober-minded and alert by “standing firm in the faith.” Yet, in these verses, we are to still keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.

So, should Christians pay attention to sin? Should we give it our attention? No, we should not. We should focus on God and do what he tells us to do. Should we pray to be delivered from sin? If we’re saved, we have already been delivered from sin. Haven’t we? Should we pray for Jesus’ speedy return? Yes, we should. Why? Because our hearts, minds, and souls long to be with him, and we long to return Home. Thus we pray, “May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10 NLT). 

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