Recognition of Sin
Let’s end this little series I’ve been doing by addressing how to deal with sin.
It begins with the recognition that you are sick. Sin is the disease, and you need healing.
Look at Scripture. Peter wants the people to recognise that they have sinned grievously. He says: "Let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah." When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" (Acts 2:36-37)
He was like a doctor telling them: you are sick! The people heard it, recognised the diagnosis as the truth, and were cut to the heart.
Elsewhere in the New Testament, Paul says "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God", and John says "if anybody claims to be without sin, they are a liar." Each one of us is sick with a disease called sin. It diminishes your quality of life, and it separates you from God and from others. But you've got to recognise that fact - otherwise you're never going to deal with it. Why would you deal with something you don't think you have?
Are You Avoiding the Diagnosis?
Of course, some people don't go to the doctor because they're scared of what the doctor may find. They’d rather not know if something is wrong with them.
Spiritually, this is how many people live their lives. They don't really want to consider that there might be something wrong inside. But this is not dealing with sin - this is avoiding it altogether.
All have sinned, Paul said. You have sinned. I have sinned. There's no use hiding it.
Maybe there's sin in your life that nobody knows about - nobody but you. You are an expert in covering your tracks! But God is not fooled. He looks at the heart. He has the X-rays that nobody else can see, and He sees that no matter how healthy you seem to be, you're sick.
Is it time for you to admit that you're ill? Self-righteous. Lustful. Dishonest. Full of pride. Nasty and hurtful. Out of control. A sinner. Get honest - so you can start to deal with it.
Jesus said: "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." (Mark 2:17)
What Exactly Is Sin?
Now, perhaps you are asking: what exactly is sin? How do I know when something has become sin? Because if you want to recognise it, you've got to know what you're looking for.
Richard S. Taylor, one of the prominent Nazarene scholars of the 1900s, wrote this in his book A Right Concept of Sin: "The root meaning of the verb 'to sin' is 'to miss the mark.' But what is the mark we are to hit?... To sin is to miss the standard of love."
In other words, if something is not motivated by love for God or godly love for the next person, it is sin. Can you recognise those acts and tendencies in your life and heart which aren't motivated by a love for God and His glory, and a love for His people and their well-being? These things are sinful.
Of course, it's not always so clear-cut. Eating is not sinful - over-eating is, because you have warped God's purpose in it. Sex is not sinful - sexual activity outside of the marriage of one man and one woman is, because you have moved outside of God's plan. Watching TV is not sinful, but when it eclipses your prayer or Bible time, it is.
Where are you missing the mark? You'll only start to deal with it when you recognise it and admit it.
Sin is a disease that affects every one of us, and you can't deal with it until you recognise and admit it. Take an honest look at your heart today, and name what you find there.