Sin; it would seem to be a word that we don’t really talk about or think about very much. It is uncomfortable to talk about as if just thinking about sin is a sin itself. We don’t want anyone focusing on our sins and we don’t want to confront others about their sins, unless we are talking about the sins of a group that we aren’t associated with. Apparently, we only want to talk about sin when it can’t actually help anyone.
According to Webster’s dictionary sin is: an offense against religious or moral law. Another definition given is: an action that is or is felt to be highly reprehensible. If we look in the Bible John 3:4 defines sin as “lawlessness.” Now, if you are like me you are probably looking at those definitions and thinking: “O.K. so what is sin exactly?”
Well, there are some things that the Bible clearly marks as sin. These things are always sin: adultery, murder, blasphemy, sexual immorality, stealing and others that can be found in the Bible. 1 John 5:17 tells us “All wrongdoing is sin” and James 4:17 states “if anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” So I have to follow my convictions as well, both in what I refrain from, as well as the actions that I take. If I feel like drinking is wrong then it is wrong for me unless God reveals otherwise. If I feel like I am being called to stand up for somebody, but I refuse to act then that, too, is sin.
However, this is where we tend to run into issues. I can’t hold my personal convictions against others. In Romans 14:14 Paul, referring to eating certain meats, says, “I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean.” So Paul is saying that Jesus has revealed to him that eating these meats is not a sin, but that if you are convicted, then you should follow your conviction. Notice Paul says it is a sin for that person, not that person and all his friends or everyone he knows, just the person with the conviction. All too often we try and force our own convictions on others and in doing so we discourage the people around us. If God has put a conviction on your heart then there is a purpose: either for a mission He has for you or maybe he knows it will be a stumbling block for you. That conviction is actually part of your special, individual relationship with God. Don’t cheapen it by trying to force it on others, but instead cherish the fact that God has called on you by name for this task.
On the flip side of this coin, are the convictions that come from personal struggle. If you find that you have something in your life that is pulling you away from God’s call on your life or your relationship with Him then that is a sin for you. Since this particular conviction is a struggle for you, then you should tell others, not to accuse them, but to inform them of your struggle so they can help and not hinder you. Paul tells us, “Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.” (Romans 14:13) So, if I’m struggling, I should not feel shame in asking my Christian family and friends for help. And that Christian family should react by removing as many stumbling blocks as possible. Do you remember what James 4:17 said about not doing what we know is right? Well Romans 14:15 says “If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for who Christ died.” Again Paul, in the passage, is referring to the eating of certain foods, but the message applies to much more than that. If you know that someone is struggling with a conviction and choose to continue to do that in front of them you are leading them to temptation and away from God. If you know someone needs help to stay away from alcohol and you offer him a beer or even drink in front of them then you have knowingly led him to temptation and sin, which according to James 4:17, means you have now sinned. It may not be your struggle, it may not be your conviction, but you have done harm by choosing to ignore the struggle of a brother/sister-in-Christ.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:22 we are told to “reject every kind of evil.” Ephesians 5:7-9 says “Therefore do not be partakers with them; for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (for the fruit of the Lord consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth.)” We have been called to refrain from sin and to stand as beacons to the world as a life transformed by Jesus. Does this mean we won’t sin? No, we will fall short. We will stumble and fall. That is when we can show the world God’s grace by accepting forgiveness, standing back up and continuing our journey. “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
So, what do we, as believers, think of when we think of sin? I asked some people I know what the first thing was that popped in their minds when I mentioned sin and I was given several different answers: wrong, bad, deceiving, betraying God, rebellion against God, and God’s disappointment in me. Yet another was death; the punishment for all sin. All of these are valid responses to that word. However, the most interesting response I got was images of colorful clouds that block out all the beautiful things in this world. Wow! Think about that for a second. I think of the colors as the instant gratification that often comes from sin. We stare at these beautiful colorful clouds and somehow forget they are blocking out the sun (God), and are likely only bringing rain (shame and guilt). Remove those clouds and you can bask in the warm sun. In the same way, when we remove sin from our lives we bask in the eternal blessings of God.
In Romans 6:6 Paul states, “For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.” That being said, if you are covered by the Blood of Jesus Christ let me give you some new words to think about: Forgiven, Redeemed, Restored, Justified, Righteous, Healed, Empowered, Freed and Holy before God. “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalms 103:12) Now, if you are not a believer and you want those words to apply to you, they can. By acknowledging Jesus Christ as your Lord, Savior, and the risen Son of God, and accepting the forgiveness He offers through His blood, you can shed the shame that Satan throws at you and live in the grace that God rains upon us.
“For this is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus who gave himself as a ransom for all people…” (1 Timothy 2:3-6)
What are your thoughts? What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of sin? Is it something I already listed or do you have a different thought? Tell me in the comments below.
