Dr. Wayne Grudem defines sin as “Any failure to conform to the moral law of God in act, attitude, or nature.” (Systematic Theology, 1994) Essentially, anything which separates us from God. “The original sin” was committed by Adam and Eve in the Garden. It was wanting to BE God, thinking that they knew better what was in their best interests than God did. They were tempted by Satan and willfully chose to disobey God. And that truth exists in us today.
I’d like to think that (with perfect 20-20 of hindsight) I would do better than Adam. But in all honesty, I doubt it. As the Apostle Paul said, “There is no one righteous, not a one!” (Romans 3:10). We have all sinned and fallen short of God’s standard. (Romans 3:23)
The interesting question to ponder is, has willful sinning EVER worked out well for you and me? Think about it. And yet we do it! We yield to temptation, to our baser motives and selfish desires. And eventually, sooner or later, we reap a bitter harvest. Sin never goes well in the final analysis.
Dr. Grudem goes on to state that sinning is illogical and irrational by nature (I.e., Sinning ultimately works against our own best interests). If that is true, and I believe it is, why do we sin? The uncomfortable truth is that in this fallen world, we are sinful (rebellious, disobedient) by our very nature. We are easily tempted. Our wills are weak. We focus on the short term benefits, not the long term harm. Our adversary the devil prowls around this world like a lion, seeking someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8).
We are like sheep, easy prey for a strong lion, who seeks out the weak and vulnerable. Our only protection is in the Good Shepherd, our savior Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 53:6, John 10:1-16)
There is Good News, however! Although what we have earned, what we deserve for our sins is death, God’s loving gift is eternal life, if we accept Christ as Lord of our lives! (Romans 6:23, John 3:16)
Do you consider yourself to be a logical, rational person, interested in being spiritually, physically and emotionally healthy? Then, the next time you are tempted to sin ask yourself, when was the last time that sinning worked out well for you!?
What is your best defense against sinful behavior and temptations? By putting on the “whole armor of God”. (Re-familiarize yourself with Ephesians 6:10-18) Prayer, Bible study, faith, trust in Christ, Christian fellowship…
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