Can I Be a Christian but Still Disobey God?

Alright, let’s get right into it. The big question today is, “Can I be a Christian but still disobey God?” And I know you’re probably already thinking, "Pastor Cris, don’t you dare talk about my Taylor Swift tickets or my Saturday night plans!" But hear me out. We’ve got to have this conversation.

Now, the easy answer? Well, yes, technically, you can call yourself a Christian and still mess up. I mean, look at Peter, the apostle. Dude literally denied Jesus three times, and he still got a front-row seat in God’s kingdom. So, disobedience doesn’t automatically disqualify you from salvation. However, it’s a bit more complicated than just saying, “Yeah, I’m a Christian, but I still do whatever I want."

Here’s the thing: being a Christian is about more than just a label. It’s a relationship with God. And when you’re in a relationship, things like respect, trust, and obedience matter. So, let’s break this down with some honesty.

First Question: Can I Be a Christian and Live a Lifestyle of Sin?

Let’s talk about this, because we’re not talking about the occasional "oops, I messed up" moment. We’re talking about living a lifestyle of sin. Now, we’ve got to face some tough questions here. Can someone be a Christian and, for example, actively live in a relationship where they are engaging in sexual immorality, like same-sex relationships or sleeping around with whoever crosses their path? Can you be a Christian and support ] yoga, abortion or worship celebrities like Taylor Swift? Or, can you keep disobeying God’s commands and still say, "Yeah, I’m good with Jesus"?

Here’s the deal—being a Christian means striving to follow Jesus. It doesn’t mean being perfect, because none of us are. But it does mean living a life where you’re willing to turn away from things that are not in alignment with God’s Word. Think of it like this: when you’re married, you don’t get to go around kissing every person you meet just because you’re “in love.” That’s not how commitment works. So, when you say you’re in a relationship with God, your actions should reflect that love and commitment too.

Let’s Talk About Sexual Immorality

Now, I know this topic is a hot potato. There are people who believe that you can be a Christian and still practice certain things, like being in a same-sex relationship. But the Bible clearly talks about sexual purity and the boundaries God set for us. It doesn’t matter if it’s “normal” in society or “accepted.” God’s Word is our guide.

It’s like this: Imagine you’re invited to a really fancy dinner at a five-star restaurant. You dress up, you show up, but then you proceed to eat your spaghetti with your hands. You’re still at the dinner, but you’re not really following the proper etiquette. You’re not following the rules of the place. Similarly, God sets guidelines for us to live a life that’s honoring to Him. When we disobey those rules, we’re basically eating spaghetti with our hands.

Abortion: Can a Christian Support It?

Now, let’s talk about abortion for a moment. Look, I get it—this topic can be super sensitive, and there are many emotions surrounding it. But as Christians, we’re called to value life. God is the author of life. If you’re living your life with Jesus, you’ll see that He’s all about giving life, not taking it away.

Supporting abortion as a Christian would be like saying you love someone but then intentionally hurt them. It doesn’t line up. Again, you don’t have to be perfect, but as a Christian, there should be a conviction in your heart that says, “You know what? I want to stand with God on the value of life.”

Repentance: What Does It Actually Mean?

Now, before you start feeling like you’re on the naughty list, here’s the good news: there’s always room for repentance. Repentance isn’t just saying, “Oops, I messed up” and moving on. It’s a complete turn-around. It’s like when you’re driving down the wrong street and you realize you’re totally lost, so you put the car in reverse and head back the right way. Repentance is recognizing you’ve been walking away from God and deciding, “Alright, I’m going to walk back toward Him.”

And here’s the thing—God isn’t sitting up in Heaven with a lightning bolt waiting to zap you. He’s not looking to punish you for every misstep. God’s heart is for you to come back to Him, and that’s what repentance is all about.

What Does Obedience Really Mean?

Obedience doesn’t mean you’re never going to mess up. It means you’re actively choosing to live for Christ, turning away from things that don’t reflect His heart. It means saying, “God, I trust You more than my desires, my temptations, or the things this world is offering me.” That’s what it means to follow Jesus.

Conclusion: What’s the Takeaway?

So, can you be a Christian but still disobey God? Technically, yes. But that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. It’s like calling yourself a chef and never actually cooking. Being a Christian is about being in relationship with God and doing your best to follow His ways. It’s about surrendering your life to Him and saying, “Lord, I want to obey because I love You, not because I have to.”

Repentance is always available. Jesus is always ready to help us clean up our act. And, yes, He’s not sitting there with a list of all your mistakes—He’s saying, “Come back to me, let’s get this right.”

So, if you’ve been walking around with muddy shoes, eating spaghetti with your hands, or making Taylor Swift your life coach—maybe it’s time to reconsider. Let’s commit to obedience, to repentance, and to following God’s plan.

Let’s pray,

“Lord, we know we’re not perfect, but we’re grateful for Your grace and mercy. Help us to repent, to turn away from what doesn’t honor You, and to follow You with all our hearts. Guide us, Lord, as we strive to live a life that reflects Your love and truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen!”