I recently came across an article that was discussing advice given by a “preacher” to a young Christian who was wondering if it was acceptable for Christians to go to night clubs. The preacher wrote him:
“… I urge you to stop living under that unbiblical legalism and live more like Jesus. Jesus hung around prostitutes and sinners and partied with tax collectors.”
Later, the preacher ridiculed what he considered that legalistic view:
“We can’t hang out with sinners but — at most — we can stand at a distance and preach at (usually condemn) them. Not a brilliant tactic. Not successful. Not like Jesus…”
In reality, the Lord ate and drank with sinners (cf. Luke 5:30) — He didn’t “party” with them. And, He had a purpose in approaching them, “Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.’” (vs. 31-32).
We are to be in the world, but we are not to be of the world (cf. 1 Corinthians 5:9-11). And, we are certainly not to be like the world (cf. Philippians 2:14-15). The young man was not asking permission to “shine his light” he wanted to be justified in “fitting in.” That is something Jesus never sought to do! In this unfortunate example, the preacher’s words are shameful and wrong!
