In Christ we are new creations.
Question: Should a person who sometimes struggles with feelings of racial prejudice be considered disqualified for Christian leadership? I would say certainly not, as probably most people have had to deal with those feelings at times. And it’s not a sin to be tempted. But what about a person who supports racism and becomes an advocate for racism – should that person be disqualified from being a Christian leader? I would say Yes, because racism is a serious distortion of the Gospel. In Christ, there is no room for racism (Galatians 3:28).
I believe the same principles hold true when talking about sexual sin. Those who struggle with feelings of sexual temptation, whether heterosexual or homosexual, should not be disqualified from serving in Christian leadership, as just about everyone struggles with inappropriate feelings and thoughts at times. And it’s not a sin to be tempted. But what if a person becomes an advocate for sexual sin, whether heterosexual or same-sex? What if someone advocates for sex outside of marriage, or advocates for same-sex marriage? Should that person be disqualified from Christian leadership? I say Yes, that person should be disqualified, because he or she is seriously distorting the Gospel, and leading others astray.
In Christ we are new creations. The old has passed away, the new has come. We are called to live a life that reflects Christ well – a life in the Holy Spirit that demonstrates love, compassion, goodness, sexual purity, humility, and integrity. Scripture is clear: Those who willfully embrace, yield to a sinful lifestyle, whether racism or sexual sin or any other sin, will not inherit the Kingdom of God (Galatians 5:16-19; I Corinthians 6:9-11; Romans 2:4-6).