Is This Fair?
“For whoever shall keep the whole law, & yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.” (James 2:10)
I used to think this verse seemed unfair… that I could get it all right & yet make one mistake & it’s as if I committed every sin there is. I used to think it was an overly dramatic & ruthless response to one sin. I used to think it illogical—that, if this were so, what’s the point in trying to avoid other sins if one makes you guilty of them all anyway?
But all of that was really just indicative of the fact that I didn’t really understand what sin was in the first place.
The root of sin is the same for every sin—thinking we know better than or trying to put ourselves above God.
Sin Shows Where We Trust Ourselves or Our Desires… Over God
When we crave something God tells us to avoid, & we give into that craving… we are trusting our desire over God’s wisdom.
When we act out of a gut, knee-jerk reaction, where God tells us to turn to Him for help in it instead… we are trusting our feelings over God’s wisdom.
When we go to or do something God tells us to avoid… we are trusting our logic & reasoning over God’s wisdom.
When we avoid something God tells us to do… we are trusting our fear & insecurities over God’s wisdom.
Why Is It That One Sin Equals All?
So, why is it that one sin equals all? Because anything we do that is considered sin stems from a subconscious (or outright) belief that maybe we know better than God or see something He doesn’t or need something He can’t handle or provide.
No matter how small or infrequent our sin may seem to us… every occurrence reveals an area where we think we may know better than God Himself.
This is why, even though one sin is as if I did them all, I should avoid just doing them all, even if I committed one sin already. Because I need to be moving in the direction of MORE trust in God, versus LESS.
God Is Both Loving AND Forgiving–He Made a Way Where There Is No Way
And this Truth of one sin being as if I committed them all does not make God unkind or unforgiving, but quite the opposite because even if one sin equals doing them all—we can’t save ourselves anyway! AND, JESUS offers His payment on our behalf to ANYONE who accepts it.
So, when God tells us in James 2:10 that one sin is as if committing them all, He is revealing to us the true nature of sin—putting ourselves above Him in one way or another–& THAT is why even the “littlest” sin is such a terrible thing… but, JESUS.
Take That “Little” Sin to Jesus
So, if there is a sin you are justifying because it feels secret or little or easily justifiable because of the circumstances… recognize that that one “little” sin is the same as doing them all… Recognize that that one “little” sin hurts God (& you) just as much as them all.
–> And repent. Admit it to God & admit you need His forgiveness for it–& ask Him for that forgiveness! <–
Work to not allow ANY sin to be excused away in your life, but strive to live a life that is wholly pleasing to God, honoring Him in all things… WITH HIS HELP.
And shine HOPE by not excusing away that “one little sin.”
Coming Next Week
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A Note from Michelle:
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Fashion as a Force for GOOD:
Each week, I feature an item that is changing lives for women around the world. These hand-crafted pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Consider these pieces when shopping for friends, family, or yourself. Check out this week’s featured beauty!!
Long Chain Necklace (India)
Love long chain necklaces? This is the necklace for you! This silver-tone link-chain design is handcrafted in India & is totally on-trend! Wear alone, double up, or layer together with other chain necklaces from our One World Collection, like our Long Chain Necklace – Gold. Every purchase provides fair trade jobs in areas of extreme poverty in India.
In India, poverty often leads to exploitation of vulnerable Artisans in sweatshops. Every purchase provides these Artisans with fair wages, access to healthcare, education for their children, & care for elderly family members.
Purchase this necklace & empower an Artisan in India!
How You Can Help:
SHOP Here, OR, Email me at michellehyde.tradesofhope@gmail.com with any questions, & I will message you personally with more information!! Thank you for inspiring HOPE around the world, Lovely!
Your purchases not only help these women, but my commissions help me in continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win win!
Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week!
