So many people get worked up over the way other people act or what other people say. Did you hear what so and so did? Why are they doing that? Can you believe it? Yes, there are plenty of folks doing things they shouldn't do but what about those things WE should be doing but aren't?
It's what we might call the sin of omission - those things we should be doing but aren't.
We were talking Friday morning about people's response to "How are you"? Most people say "fine" when you can tell by looking at them that they're not fine. But how many of us actually pursue what is or isn't going on in that person's life? Why don't we? Surely we care - or do we? Maybe we'd rather not get involved. Or how about those we actually know are suffering, dealing with sorrow, having relationship problems, maybe financial problems. Are we not sinning by not responding to the needs of our brothers and sisters - especially if they are part of the body of Christ? And what about our own spiritual lives? People are sure to point out the sins of others but if Scripture commands us to meditate upon the word daily, (which includes reading it and studying it), to pray often, to worship together regularly, etc. and we choose not to because "I'm just not a reader" or "I just can't find the time" are we not sinning by disobeying God? Hmmmmmmmmmm.
Be careful of the sins of omission for they are are no different in God's eyes than those which are committed.
4 comments:
Hello! I came across your site as I was looking at my dads. How are you doing? (and yes, I really do want to know, I am not just asking.) :) I hope that you and your family are doing alright after the death in the family. I have been thinking about and praying for all of you. If you are ever in Manhattan, come look me up!
good post! so many of us are satisfied with not doing the wrong things. but when do we start answering the call and do the right thing.
One thing I would say though is that some people, actually a lot of people, don't want you in "thier business." i like to really know how things are going, but I feel as if the questions I am asking are probing and sometimes making the other person uncomfortable. so what then?
I on the other hand don't mind sharing what's going on in my life, however, i sometimes wonder if the other person really wants to hear my honest answer to the "how are you doing" question. Interesting thoughts.
I personally wish this form of greeting would go away. Most people who say "how are you" aren't really interested in your response.
Good observations on the "sin of omission". Come talk to a group of retirees in our church who seem to think they are also retired from doing the work of the church. Where does it say in the Bible that at a certain age, we don't have to engage in Christian Action any longer? Could this fall into the category of a sin of omission?
Kevin - i think that falls under the categorical sin of "I've paid my dues"
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