I originally wrote and published this post in October 2018. In 2026, a few conversations with friends led me to take a closer look. Much of it remains the same, but as I grow up in the Lord, some lessons grow, too.
The title comes from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet: “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” We can change the name of something, but that doesn’t change the thing. I could call broccoli chocolate, but my husband still wouldn’t eat it.
Sin is sin no matter what you call it. Sin is not a lifestyle choice, a phase or stage of life, or an accident. My sins are no greater than yours, and they are certainly not any less. While we have the freedom to choose, we are not free from the consequences of those choices. Some sins have bigger, more lasting consequences than others. All sin separates us from God unless we repent and strive to walk without sin.
Our world has polluted Truth. Society has become accepting of all sorts of sins. The entertainment industry, social media outlets, and even the news spread lies. This “post-modern” world sees no absolute Truth and even encourages sinful behavior.
If you’ve ever played “telephone” or “gossip,” then you know how quickly a simple word or phrase changes with repetition. Every person in the chain hears differently and has different experiences. Those things impact our understanding.
Scripture may speak to us differently throughout our lives, but its message remains the same. Rather than relying on someone else’s interpretation, we must examine God’s Word for ourselves, as the Bereans did (Acts 17:11). Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, correction, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
The same applies when discussing the church. Jesus established one church (Matthew 16:18), His body (Ephesians 1:22–23; 4:4). Our responsibility is to call Bible things by Bible names, do Bible things in Bible ways, and speak where the Bible speaks. What we teach and practice must agree with Scripture, not merely with religious tradition.
Jesus is the only Way to the Father (John 14:6). Neither the passage of time nor the popularity of an idea changes that truth. Though our sins keep us separated from God, He always provides a way home. He longs for all of us to turn from the harsh lies of the world and back into His arms, into the Light of Truth.
God loves us and meets us where we are, but He loves us too much to leave us there. David praised God for drawing him out of the mire and setting his feet upon a rock (Psalm 40:2). God didn’t leave him in the pit. Jesus ate with sinners, but He also called them to repentance (Luke 5:29–32). God’s kindness is meant to lead us to Him, not excuse our continued sin (Romans 2:4; 6:1–2).
Falling for a lie is a painful way to live. Everything we choose has consequences, both immediate and eternal. God clearly lays out what He expects of us. He gives us the choice between following His way or choosing our own. His gift of salvation is free, and He desires for all people to experience that gift. His instructions are clear. He even gives us many examples in the early church. Each conversion in Acts begins with believing in the message heard, confessing and repenting of sin, and being immersed.
On Pentecost, Peter instructed the people to repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38–41). The Samaritans believed and were baptized (Acts 8:12). The Ethiopian eunuch was baptized after hearing the gospel (Acts 8:35–39). Lydia and her household were baptized (Acts 16:14–15), as were the Philippian jailer and his household (Acts 16:30–33). Saul was told to arise, be baptized, and wash away his sins (Acts 22:16). Even Cornelius and his household, who received the Holy Spirit, were commanded to be baptized (Acts 10:44–48).
Our responsibility is to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), in season and out of season, with patience and teaching (2 Timothy 4:2). We cannot force someone to listen, and we are not called to quarrel (2 Timothy 2:24–25). Not all choose to follow God, or they choose bits and pieces and ignore the rest. When we choose our own path, He allows us to face the consequences, both immediate and eternal.
Which path will you choose?
