Monday, July 20, 2015

Why Don't We Sin?


We sin when we knowingly do something wrong.

But are there other ways to sin?

For example, the sin of knowingly doing something wrong is called the "sin of commission," because we commit a sin.  There's also an inverse to that, called the "sin of omission," when there is something we know to be right, but we don't do it.

But have you ever thought about why we don't do stuff that is wrong?

Think about it:  Do we not run stop signs because doing so is illegal, or because we risk putting ourselves in danger when we do it?

Are there times when we don't lie simply because God isn't honored by falsehoods?  Or do we try to always tell the truth simply to preserve the integrity other people presume us to have?

Granted, it's not wrong to respect stop signs only because doing so is a wise thing to do.  And it's not wrong to be truthful only because we want to project an air of authenticity.

But if our willful sins are offensive to God, could our willful compliance with moral and legal codes be just as offensive?  Might God not be pleased with our "goodness" when we use it more to protect our own self-image than honor God?

Do you refuse to commit adultery because adultery defames God, or because your spouse would sue you to Kingdom Come if you were adulterous?

Why do you watch your weight?  Is it more to present a good-looking physique to society, or to honor God's teachings against gluttony?

Why do you tithe?  Is it more to benefit from tax deductions, or because God is honored when you return to Him a portion of what He's already given you?  And do you tithe a straight ten percent, because that's what most preachers say is adequate?  Or do you happily tithe more, simply because you know doing so honors God?

Can you see how the reasons why we do or don't do some things could also be sinful?  It all has to do with our motivations, right?  And the One Whom we're respecting, honoring, and trying to please with our actions.

This is why moralism and legalism are such thin rationales for human behavior.  And why the evangelical church appears to be losing the battle over social morality.  We look at actions - or the lack of actions - and evaluate how good somebody is.  Instead, God looks at the heart.

A sobering reality, is it not?

Living one's life in that reality is a real eye-opener when it comes to evaluating everything we do.


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