“Preach on sin, Pastor!” When the old gentleman urged that bit of counsel upon me, I assumed he wanted me to harp on the ways of drug addicts and murderers and terrorists, sins no one in our congregation was committing. But I think I know now what he meant.
And I think he was right.
Preachers who love the Word and are committed to the Lord’s people–well, a goodly number of them–have found that it is pleasant to the hearers and strengthening to his job security to leave out the sin business.
I’ve noticed this a lot. And it’s not just one or two preachers.
Here’s what happens.
You preach a great text and share some wonderful insights you’ve gleaned. And they are good. You end your sermon, satisfied that you have fulfilled your assignment from the Lord. Little old ladies–God bless ’em!–brag on you at the exit, and you go home pleased with yourself.
But not so fast.
You left us wanting, Pastor.