All sin; of that there can be no ques­tion (Rom. 3:23). Why is this so? What causes people to sin? Some even seem to think that mitigating circum­stances may render one blameless where sin is concerned. Let us con­sider the questions above.

It is certainly true that some sin be­cause they do not know any better; they may even have a clear conscience while engaged in sin. That was surely true of Paul (Acts 23:1). But did such make him any less a sinner? No, for even he said that he was once "chief of sinners" (1 Tim. 1:15), and this while he said he was yet in ignorance. The Jews found themselves in sin ( Rom. 10: 1-4), even while "ignorant of God's righteousness." In the end, there can be no comfort, even in "ig­norant sin." for God has sufficiently revealed his will to man, so that there is no excuse.

Some sin because of unbelief They have been told of sin and its terrible consequences - but they do not believe what they are told. They do not be­lieve the standard which determines sin, that being the word of God. Their minds are made up, and they seem not to have a desire to come to the point of proper belief in God. But what they do that stands opposed to God is still sin.

Some may sin because of weakness. In First Corinthians 8:10 Paul spoke of the "weaker brother," and because of that weakness, he may well be led into sin. They may even be "overtaken in a fault" (Gal. 6:1), but such is nonethe­less sin. and there will be conse­quences. Paul dealt with this matter in Romans seven as he spoke of the con­duct of the flesh which acted in oppo­sition to what the spirit knew to be right. Sin may overtake one, and he hopes to mitigate it by saying, "well, I guess I was just weak," as if that makes everything fine and dandy. In such cases, one needs to turn to the word of God, and in it find the means to strengthen himself.

Yet others may sin because of what happens to be the first object of their love. If one does not love God supremely, he will sin against God. If one loves the world (1 John 2:15f), he will conduct himself according to that love, and thereby sin. The Hebrew author spoke of the "pleasures of sin" ( 11:23), and said they were transitory. Jesus spoke of those who "loved the praise of men more than of God" (John 12:42-43), and were therefore prone to sin because of that.

Some sin because it usually seems to be the" easy way;" the line of least resistance. But such is deceptive, for the seemingly "easy way" may not be so at all! Solomon said, "good under­standing giveth favour; but the way of transgressors is hard" (Pro. 13:15). The way that may seem so easy at first turn out to be exceedingly hard, es­pecia1ly in its consequences. Jesus spoke of a "wide gate" leading to a "broad way" (Matt. 7:13-14), and many choose this way because it seems to easy, but the final destination of one who travels that way is .

Have you stopped lately and given consideration as to why you sin? If we will look at that, perhaps we can make some adjustments that will prevent us from sinning in the first place.

We began by saying that all of us sin, and one who denies this, says John, is a liar (1 John 1:8-10). Rather than % nying the sin, regardless of why we may have sinned, the key to the matter is the willingness to repent of it, ask God for forgiveness and begin anew. We need to stop making excuses for our sins and shortcomings, for all the "reasons" in the world will not change the fact that sin has been committed. God knows we will sin; that is why he made provision to forgive us when we repent. He has his way of neutralizing sin, regardless of why the sin was committed. Jesus can lift the heavy burden of sin. But first, we must be honest with ourselves, quit saying "I sinned because..." and turn to God in humble repentance. - Bill Moseley

 

 

 

TOO OLD TO SERVE?

His name was Harlan, and when he reached age 65, he was told it was time to retire. Really, the advice was not so polite; he was asked to "move out to pasture." Harlan became angry and took his first Social Security check and started his own business. We are reminded of the attitudes some have towards "senior citizens" in the church. We so often talk down to them and move them aside, almost refusing them active service in the lo­cal congregation.

But you see, Harlan's full name was "Harlan Sanders," better known as Colonel Sanders, the founder of the Kentucky Fried Chicken chain. And who can deny that Harlan’s "retire­ment" years turned out to be the most productive of his life!

Folks, we need to remember than older members have great things to offer the church. In fact, with the many years of submitting to God and resisting the devil, those years may well be the most productive of their lives. After all, Moses was 80 when God called him to deliver his people from Egypt! Old folks? Maybe by the calendar, but we ought to look to them for advice and experience. God pro­vided heaven, but he never provided a "pasture" for any of his people to lie around in! – Bill Moseley

 

 

 

Grandmothers are great folks (I know, for I'm married to one several times over). If you will indulge me, let me tell you about another one; my mater­nal grandmother. She has been gone now for 26 years. But as far back as I can remember, she was special to me. First, she was a Christian, leaving the "institutional group" when she was in her 70's. That's honesty for you!

I lived with her for one summer when I was about seven years old, and re­member that time with fondness. She was an encouragement to me as I grew up, found the girl I would marry and accepted her as she did me. Her idi­oms and expressions were earthy and right from the hills of Arkansas. They were usually downright humorous, but you never misunderstood them!

It pleased her greatly when I decided to go into preaching; she and my grandfather, who in his own right was a faithful Christian, seemed proud of that fact. I remember the last time I saw her; lying on a hospital bed as I had come from out of state to see her. Her gray head was upon her pillow ­and beside her a cassette tape with the last sermon she ever heard - one of mine. I still miss her. - Bill Moseley