Is it a Sin
29Jan
Is It A SIN?
Is it a sin to only put a dollar on the Powerball? Can I drink 2 beers? Can my girlfriend do this as long as we’re NOT doing that?
Working at a church, we get these questions all the time. I read the following profound story the other day that can help guide people with the answers like these:
There was once a guy who owned a small trucking firm, and was looking to employ a new driver. Three drivers sat nervously outside his office as they were called in for their interview one by one. When the first guy came out, the other two checked with him, “What did he ask you?”. The man replied, “He only asked one question. How close could I safely drive one of his trucks near the edge of a cliff.” “What did you say?”“I said I could get one of his trucks to within 3 meters of the edge, but I don’t think my answer was good enough.”The second man went in, and was asked the same question.He answered “I could get one of your trucks within one meter of the edge.” But apparently that wasn’t good enough either.Finally, the last driver went in. The boss looked at him and asked the question.The man replied, “If I were driving one of your trucks, I wouldn’t go anywhere near the edge of a cliff!” He got the job.
Why do we, as followers of Jesus Christ, continue to “drive so close to the edge” in things that can lead us to actually falling off? We are so confident in our ability to stop something before it gets out of hand yet see examples daily of someone who couldn’t or didn’t.
Proverbs 6:27-28 says. Can a man scoop a flame into his lap and not have his clothes catch on fire? Can he walk on hot coals and not blister his feet?
“I can have one more drink, I can be alone with my girlfriend on a couch with the lights dim and nobody’s home, I can afford to buy all these lotto tickets because when I win….”
None of the above is necessarily sin. but should we putting ourselves in scenarios that can lead to it?
Paul says in Romans 7:21, I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong.
I can relate to that verse with my life story! Oh, how I wish I set boundaries in my life and didn’t “dip my toe” in some of these areas when I was younger.
James 1:14-15 “but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”
Sounds dangerous. Ask anyone who has been in trouble at all where it all started. Most will tell you a story of them “dipping their toe” into something they shouldn’t have and things escalated from there.
James 4:7 says,”So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” I know it sounds dramatic but it’s so true.
Surround yourself with people who will protect you from bad decisions. (Good time to sign up for a Growth Group at FC!) Go to God’s Word and learn how to set up boundaries to avoid future problems. Pray to God that He will protect you and give you the wisdom to do the right things. Are you driving near the edge of any cliffs today? Any behaviors or circumstances you need to change?