The Sin of Omission

“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”  James 4:17

Most folks would define the word “sin” as doing something that is wrong, and that is definitely true, but not everyone agrees on what is wrong.  I believe that abortion is wrong, but there are many who promote abortion and see it as the easy way out of an unwanted pregnancy.  If one desires a check list of what is sin, then the only official, correct, and acceptable check list is that which is found in God’s word.  But then again, many have no desire to read the Bible, and thus they don’t have a clue as to the standards that God set out for men and women to live by in order to give them the best possible life on earth.  Many would rather remain in their sin than have the freedom that only Christ can bring.  Go figure.

When we sin, hopefully, if we are wise, we will repent and turn from that sin, at least we believers know that is what we should do.  We don’t always follow through, though, unless we are sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit who abides in us to keep us on the straight and narrow.  Repentance is not just being sorry for our sin, though sorrow and regret play a part in repentance, but true repentance is vowing to turn from that sin and move forward, no looking back.  Remember the story of Lot’s wife who, being told to flee Sodom and not look back, turned and looked back and became a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26).  As the preacher says when inviting folks to come forward to repent and receive Christ, “leave your sin behind”.

So while we know that sin is doing wrong, we don’t always consider not doing something as a sin.  James gave us an example of neglecting to do good.  In James 2:14-17, he was speaking specifically of putting faith into action, but his example can also illustrate the “sin of omission”.  To see another without warm clothes and food to eat and not give them these basic necessities, but instead just pray for them, not only shows a dead faith, but is also a sin.  What if we don’t have the funds to supply what they need?  If we search diligently, we can find someone who does have the ability to help.  Sometimes that is all that we are required to do.  Most churches have all sorts of ways to help people.  In this current pandemic, the church I attend has supplied 100’s of food boxes, paid rent, and other bills for all folks who come to the church seeking help.  I have heard people complain that all churches ever do is ask for money, but how else are they going to supply the needs of the community if we don’t contribute?  As my parents (and everyone’s parents) used to say, “Money doesn’t grow on trees!”

In Matthew 25:41-46, Jesus called those who ignore the needs of others “cursed” and said that not doing for them was the same as ignoring Him.  As Christians we should always be on the lookout for those we can bless because that is what Jesus does.  He expects no less of us.