Everything we need to know to get through life is in the Bible. Most of you reading this blog probably believe this. The Bible is life’s handbook. If we need to know what is sinful, we simply need to peruse the pages of the Good Book.
There are Christians who think that religious authorities or any good Christian are who has the right to tell what is a sin and what is not. Well, it is not quite that simple.
It is true that the Bible gives us direction about how to act. Of course, the commandments are clear. There are other verses that cite activities and behaviors that offend God. Jesus came and simplified the Commandments with two directives that should guide our lives: Love the Lord and love each other (Matt 22:36-40). In case that wasn’t simple enough, He gave us the golden rule, telling us to treat others as we would want to be treated (Matt 7:12).
Certainly, if we love God we want to please Him by doing good things and behaving well. Maybe we should build big statues and monuments to Jesus? Or would that be idolatry?
Certainly, if we love our neighbor, we would not kill him? But what if he was attacking us? What if he was suffering and asked us to end his life? Would that be murder?
Certainly, if we treat others as we want to be treated, we would not offend our neighbor? But what if I put beef in a vegetarian’s salad? What if I make him hike through the mountains when he has a bad heart? Is that offensive or harassing?
Nothing is as simple as we would like it to be. Things are further complicated by our basic, inherited propensity for sin. We are built to be bad. The sin gene has been passed down from Adam and Eve to each of us and there is no way around that.
The devil won a great victory that day in Eden and he continues to revel in how easily we succumb to temptation. He creates gray areas, confusion, and conflict. It can be downright difficult to know what is right and wrong sometimes.
Jesus’ simplification of life’s commandments really expanded the scope of sin for many of us. If we do something that was not listed in the Mosaic Law, but it offends others or breaks a local ordinance, is that a sin? Is there a human judge who has the right to decide what is a sin and what is not?
Ultimately, we answer to one judge, Jesus Christ. But who has the right to tell us what is sin and what is not before it is too late?
How about us? There is no man on earth worthy to judge us against God’s standards. But we are trained to discern what is right and wrong. Anything we feel guilty about, things we feel the need to explain or justify, is probably a sin.
Fortunately, we have a wonderful God. One who forgives us when we ask pardon and one who already paid the penalty for our sins. Rejoice, listen to that nagging doubt, and choose to be like Jesus.
