Words can be thrown around so much that they end up either losing their meaning, or becoming black/white definitions…much like characters in a long running sitcom. (Yes, Fonzie, I’m talking about you jumping the sharks.) When this happens, we tend to walk down the path of least resistence, and accept the one-dimensional interpretation of words defined for us by society.
Question: Can we be happy when society defines who we are?
For Example: “Sin” …a common word batted back and forth like a shuttlecock during a family reunion.
- “Deliver us from sin”
- “Love the sinner, hate the sin”
- “It’s sinful the way she treats men”
- “This cheesecake is SINFUL”
Two common themes appear when lookin a the definition of “sin” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sin)…a violation of moral code and severed relationships.
Moral Code: Abortion, homosexuality, divorce, euthenasia…there are many hot-topic buttons that, when pushed, will instantly generate heated debates. What we seldom ask ourselves and society is, “what is our moral code”. We have the Ten Commandments, but many Christians take the entire Bible (Old and New Testament) and tack on many more codes while excluding others. Atheists, too, have moral codes, but are generated more from society’s interactions rather then religious foundations.
Question: When hot-topics are thrown out in today’s discussions, what is our moral foundation?
I have seen some people violently opposed to gay marriage, yet do not affiliate themselves with church, or a personal faith. They quote the Bible and use the instituion of religion to stand behind their claim, but it is evident that this is not their moral code. Instead, it is a force to hide behind due to fear. This is an important question to ask because, if we blindly stand behind a moral code of conduct that is not defined on our own…if we do not know WHY we act the way we do…then not only are we defined by those that interpert the moral codes for us, but our actions are also defined, and we are then part of an adult version of “Simon Says”.
Severed Relationships: Truely, this is the truth-o-meter of what is sin. No matter what moral foundation you believe in, if a relationship is hurt because of your actions, it is a sin. Relationships include our relationship with others, ourself, creation and…for those that are spiritual…God. Some actions that we take clearly hurt those around us, and we know what we did was wrong, or a sin.
Question: Is the sin of one person a sin for all?
“Drinking is a sin.” What? Huh? Really? But, Jesus turned water to wine for a wedding. So it’s not a sin. But wait…here is a man who turns to the drink instead of his spouse, his friends or his faith. He is severing his relationships for alcohol, and yes, this would be a sin. But, for those having wine at a dinner with friends, or someone taking wine for communion…then alcohol is NOT a sin. The definition of sin is not the action, but the negative effects it has on our surrounding relationships…ALL relationships.
Question: Did (or will) my action hurt myself, another person, creation or God?
Knowing sin, or doing wrong, in our life begins with taking a long look inside ourself, not reading a list right/wrong actions. Understanding ourselves will give us a stronger character, and we will WANT to do what is right. If we do not, we will clearly see everyone who is affected by our actions.
It baffles me to this day when I see two groups fighting about abortion in front of an abortion clinic. One side is yelling the horrible sins of abortion, while the other is fighting for the ‘rights of the mother’s choice’. What amazes me is that, among the screaming crowd, there are many children, yes…CHILDREN…that are going through this decision. They are scared, feeling lost and alone…and THEY have to walk in the middle of these two groups. In this case, BOTH groups are committing sin. Neither side is reaching out to the confused girl. Instead, they isolate her even more. Neither side seems to see that they are hurting another person….and that is a sin.
Question: What do we do when we have sinned?
If we allow others to define sin, then we often hide our sin because we are ashamed and feel guilty. Truely knowing ourselves (moral code), and knowing who we hurt (severed relationships), allows us to take action in ‘righting a wrong’. The answer…do what is needed to restore a loving and compassionate relationship with those that were hurt. Yes, it is a harder path to follow, but it is the right and moral action to take.
Don’t let society define you…ask tough questions of yourself. Demand more then a naughty/nice list to follow, and take action that encourages loving and compassionate relationships in your life.
Now…to lighten up this topic just a little…http://www.finestquotes.com/select_quote-category-Sin-page-0.htmSin
