The "Sin Box," was once a popular skit in youth groups. Someone would get into a box labeled "Sin." After a few moments of euphoria they would try to get out, only to find themselves "stuck." People would come by the box and offer suggestions on how to get out or condemnation toward the one stuck in "sin." Finally, a spiritual looking student, Bible in hand, would stroll up and offer this advice: "Trust God and Pray, He can get you out of there!" So the stuck guy, in desperation, would pray. ZAP! Effortlessly the student then emerged from the box-free from sin! This was usually followed by a good-meaning message about deliverance from sin through Jesus.While this skit contains truth-Jesus does bring freedom from sin, it sends a message of frustration to all those who have cried out to Jesus yet remained stuck in their "sin box." Many frustrated Christians left wondering, "Is my faith just not strong enough?"
I remixed the skit so that after the desperate guy in the box cried out to God, one foot partially came out of the box. He then begin to "walk" forward, dragging and scooting the box with him with resolve but without much success. On cue, two individuals from the audience jumped from their seats, locked arm in arm with the guy in the box and helped him continue to walk forward.
Is that a better message? Freedom from sin is freedom to move forward toward God. Our sins have been forgiven. God accepts us. We don't have to be immobilized by it. Our brothers and sisters in Christ need to support us and help us move forward.
I afraid too often in the church this doesn't happen.
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