‘All sins are equal’
It’s a phrase that’s real easy for Christians to quote when they’re talking about something that doesn’t hit home. But let someone’s sin interfere with their life and all the sudden it’s a major sin. Of course I’m generalizing here. But you get my point.
Recently a family member of my wife’s was accused of breaking a law. When word of this reached us, it greatly distressed my Amanda. For several days she was tense, couldn’t sleep, and all she seemed to be able to talk about what this situation and how she couldn’t believe this person broke this law again. At first I tried to stay out of it as best I could while still providing Amanda with some emotional support. After a couple days I started distancing myself from the situation as all the emotions from Amanda’s family seemed to be spiraling out of control. At the center of all the emotion was disbelief and the disgust. They couldn’t believe their relative did THAT. Because THAT was such a great sin.
Before I go any further, let me give a few facts. The law that this person is accused of breaking is not minor at all. And most people would describe it as sick.
But the point I’m trying to make here is that a sin is a sin. And that the revulsion that we feel when confronted with a situation such as the one Amanda’s family has been dealing with… well, God doesn’t see it any different than when you said that last curse word. It’s on par with that ‘little white lie’ you told your boss last week. There’s no difference from His perspective. We humans try to make these things difficult, but it really isn’t. Sin is sin. And no matter the sin, it all does the same thing. It separates you from and hinders your walk with, God.
So, I challenge you, and I challenge myself, to stop grading sins. Stop comparing your sins to the sins of those around you. Instead, put that effort into making changes to your life so that you can walk even closer to God.
