THE FACE OF SIN THAT HIDES BEHIND THE MASK OF INNOCENCE

By Michael K. Farrar, O.D.

© God’s Breath Publications

 

I am often convicted of taking sin for granted. I’m not talking about what we term “BIG” sins such as murder, rape, child abuse, etc. I’m talking about what we might call the “small sins” of life; those sins that we all commit each day whether we are Christians or non‑Christians.

 

I believe that what I do at times, like many Christians, is categorize sins that are present in my life on a rating scale. This scale has murder at the top of the list and little white lies at the bottom. The perception we have with this false model is that those sins at the bottom of the scale are somewhat innocent and excusable. We tend to justify sin in our lives depending on how “guilty” we feel about them or how “evil” they are, as viewed by society around us. We often attempt to justify our “small” sins because of a selfish need or desire we have.

The problem with this faulty view of sin is that we begin to take sin for granted. We become secure in our own thoughts and personal standards. We believe that as long as we’re not committing “BIG” sins, we can ignore the “small” sins that are present in our lives. We begin evaluating ourselves based on society’s standards rather than God’s. Romans 14:23 gives a rather broad definition of sin, it says, “everything that does not come from faith is sin.” This is a rather challenging statement. We could spend hours discussing how this short statement convicts each of us of ALL sins in our lives, not just the “BIG” sins. To put it simply, sin is sin.

 

I don’t think that God intends for us as Christians to spend all of our time inspecting our lives for all manner of sin. We could easily become depressed and defeated in our spiritual lives if all we did was search minute by minute for sins which were surfacing or being committed. What I believe God wants us to do is to take more seriously, the commitment we have made to our Savior. Possibly if we trivialize sin in our life though, we begin to think less of the sacrifice that Christ made for us in His death and resurrection.

 

I think sin is a lot like a poisonous rattlesnake. A coiled Rattlesnake ready to strike is an awesome, ugly thing to behold. Fear wells up in our mind when we think of the fangs piercing our skin and imbedding their sharp shafts into our flesh, releasing the dangerous poison. The “BIG” sins give us the same feeling. The damage that can be done to people is amazing. But have you ever considered how cute a baby Rattlesnake is? It looks so innocent. In actuality, baby Rattlesnakes are as deadly if not more so, than their adult counterparts. I believe “small” sins are like this as well. “Small” sins may appear cute and innocent. They often wear masks of compromise, justified desires, or sloppy comfortable habits. In reality, they are just as poisonous and deadly as “BIG” sins. Sin, no matter how big, is an affront to God. God’s standard for holiness is perfection.

The law of God brought conviction of sin. The law required a payment for sins committed, no matter how trivial. The truth of scripture tells us what is wrong and right in the eyes of God. Christ came and fulfilled the law and also provided a way that our sins could be paid for by His death on the cross. But while we live under God’s grace now, He calls us to a higher standard. The law often spoke only of outward actions and deeds for which we would be held accountable. Christ came to not just save us from our external sins we commit, but to hold us accountable; for our actions and also our thoughts.

 

Matthew 5:28 talks about such an example of a higher standard when it says, “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” This means God is interested in us being holy, not only in our actions, but also in our thoughts.

 

We may have the appearance of holiness and goodness, but what goes on in the corners of our heart and mind where no one can see except God? I think as you dwell on the standard that God holds us to, you will see the absolute necessity of being in fellowship with Him, of confessing our sins as we become aware of them, of seeking to let Christ rule our lives, of avoiding sin, no matter how big or small it might be.

 

It’s been said that sin is like a bird flying around our head. We can’t keep it from flying around our head, but we can keep it from nesting in our hair. We are surrounded by a variety of temptations and our sinful nature will strive to take advantage of such opportunities. We must choose as New Creatures in Christ to avoid the sin. We must seek God’s power and obey the Holy Spirit that lives within us as followers of Christ. We must gain balance in our lives so we can dwell on the good, strive for God’s glory, and be sensitive to sins that would frustrate God’s purpose in our lives.

 

We need to remember that sin often wears a mask of innocence to deceive us into thinking it is acceptable.

 

Sin is candy coated poison.

 

Sin is death, in a nicely wrapped gift.

 

Sin is corruption, covered in sweetness.

 

Sin is a lie, with a pinch of truth.

 

Sin is sadness, with a smiling face.

 

Sin is decay, portraying itself as fulfillment.

 

Sin is deception, with an appearance of honesty.

 

Sin is evil, hiding behind a mask of innocence.

 

Evaluate your spiritual life this next week. If you discover any unconfessed sin, repent and confess it to God. Let God give you the strength to rid your life of the sin that seeks to destroy you and those around you. If you have accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior you have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit and He will convict you of any sin in your life.

 

If you have not accepted Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, the only way you can have peace in life and overcome sin is through a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. I would strongly encourage you to seek God, respond to the love of Christ and accept Him as the way to have everlasting peace and the power to overcome sin. Humble yourself and give yourself to Jesus Christ. You’ll never regret it.