DAY 27 SINS OF OMISSION AND COMMISSION
James 4:17 Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.
The Hebrew meanings of the word sin, are trespass and transgression.
Trespass- meaning sin done out of rebellion.
Transgression- meaning to go astray.
The Greek says sin is the act or state of missing the mark, failure or error.
We all know what it means to commit a sin (commission), it means that we made a willful choice to do something against what Gods word and will is for us. Ever since the Garden of Eden and the fall of man, we have had to look at what is good and what is bad, and exercise our free will, choosing if we are going to do the good thing or the bad thing.
But, we often fail to recognize or think about sins of omission. Sins of omission are a failure to perform and action that God has put before us in His word. The Apostle Paul shows us the battle between both types of sin.
The Conflict of Two Natures
Romans 7:14-20
For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin. For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good. So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.
How many times have I read this and identified with it? I know what I should do, but I “choose” to do the wrong thing… when we accepted Christ, we became new creatures in Christ and the battle began between the the new creature and the flesh. In Luke 10:30-37 we see Jesus tell the story of the Good Samaritan. A man had been beaten and left at the side of the road for dead. Two people passed him, a Levite and a Priest, both knew better but both failed to act. A third man came, a Good Samaritan, he stopped and showed compassion to the man. Jesus was teaching that we should do the same, help those in need. This clearly communicates to us that it is sinful to avoid doing good, just as sinful to pursue evil. In Matthew 25:31-46 Jesus defines sins of omission, as goats. Those who are sent away are those who saw others in need but did not provide for them. Hungry, thirsty, in need of clothing, sick, in jail, in desperate need, but did nothing. These are examples of sins of omission, they are not sinful acts done to them, but ignoring their needs when they could have done something. The Apostle Paul gives us direct instruction as to why we should engage, doing what is right and refraining from sins of omission.
Galatians 6:9-10 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.
Romans 12:1-2 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Basically, if we focus on doing the will of the father, we avoid sin and live productive fruitful lives that are pleasing to God. Pray that He opens your eyes to see the areas in your life that need addressed. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide and direct you and when you hear that small still voice, stop, pay attention and act accordingly. Life is so much more difficult if we do not!
Praying for you all!
Much love and blessings, Pastor Scott
Additional reading: John 15:1-11 Jesus Is the Vine—Followers Are Branches