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IS THIS SIN?

28/11/2014 03:41:00 The editor

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Sir

Having recently visited a local Evangelical Church in Manzini, it was very encouraging to hear a message preached on sin, instead of the regular prosperity, miracles and enjoying everyday life gospel.

In essence, the pastor preached on the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life. He made reference in part to Romans 1:29-32.
However, there are some Christians who do not deem in their own eyes something as sin. Allow me to give you some examples.

1ST SCENARIO

John (60 years old) a devout Christian man living alone had the following act. He hung his hat on a peg by the front door of his house. When there was a knock on the door, he would take his hat off the peg and then open the door. If it was someone who he wanted to see, he would say, “Hi Bob, what excellent timing. I’ve just walked in. Come on in. What can I do you for?

On another day there would be a knock on the front door. John would do the same ritual ie open the door with his hat in his hand. Response; “Oh! It’s you Fred! What awful timing. I am on my way out. Just got a call from my daughter. Sorry man, call me next time. Walks towards his car, and when Fred has left (after apologies) he (John) goes back into the house.

2ND SCENARIO

This is Saturday morning; Bob (33 years old) is driving to town in his twin-cab with his three children in the back seat, aged seven, five & three years old. He sees Fred (42 years) at the bus stop, and he immediately signals to him to find out which direction he is going.
When Fred signals back, he (Bob) signals back he is going in the opposite direction. He (Bob) knows there is a bend ahead and Fred will not see that indeed he is going in Fred’s direction.

3RD SCENARIO

John is in his office. The telephone rings and his secretary tells him, “Bob is on the line.” He takes the call. Hours later, the phone rings and his secretary tells him Fred is on the line. Response: “Tell him I am out.”
With the cellphone, it is the same. Fred receives a call, sees the number; then gives his wife to respond and says; “he is in the bathroom,” or just as bad, “he’s out but left his phone behind.”

On another day the caller calls again. The same story. Possible? Yes. But it is a long shot. Even if this was true, his wife should have informed him of the call, Christian ethics and decency requires that one should call back.
Now that you are about to consider your verdict, remember John, Bob and Fred are Christians, schooled together and go to the same church.
The Bible says, “To him who knows to do good, but does not do that. To him it is sin.” James 4:12.

Theologically speaking, if one fails to do what is right they are committing a sin. Obviously doing what is wrong displeases God. As Christians, we are exalted to be “Holy as He is Holy. 1 Peter 1: 16.
Lastly, to all Christians, remember the reason for season. Intentionally, do not support any business that takes Christ out of Christmas. Is this sin?
In conclusion, in reaching your verdict, the emphasis must not necessarily be on the act, but rather on the motivation of that act.

Raymond Marais