Do you ever sweat the small stuff? Well, you should. There are many subtle sins that we commit and "shine" them on as little sins but to God no sin, none, is small or unimportant in God’s eyes.

          I have a habit of boasting about my pastor and my church. According to "What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe-as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow." (1 Corinthians 3:5-7) Seems like I shouldn’t be boasting.

          What about pride in your spiritual growth or feeling self-important? See what 1 Corinthians 2:6-13 has to say. "We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we speak of God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God." 

           How about having a critical nature or being impatient with others? "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. (1 Thessalonians 5:11,14) I think you get the message. There’s also that self-righteous judgment of others (Matthew 7:1-5) and being closed mindedness and unwilling to listen (James 1:19)

          There are also subtle sins of doubt like unbelief, or even lack of faith in prayer. (James 1:5-8) Anxiety over livelihood or your standard of living. (Luke 12:22-31) This is one that I’m forever asking God’s forgiveness: Being impatient with circumstances. See (James 5:7-11)

          I’m sure none of you ever commit a subtle sin of idolatry or self-sufficiency. Our Pastor preached on that one Sunday and I must admit I was guilty of that too. I could go on and on about these subtle sins.

          Do you ever put family before God or trust in your own wisdom or ability. "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

          I try not to commit subtle sins of indifference such as a lack of passion (I am passionate about the Lord I serve), ingratitude, forgetting God in the whirlwind of everyday life, or neglecting the Sabbath. But there are times I’m indifferent to sharing my faith with others. 

        I have harbored anger and animosity, unforgiveness, bitterness and resentment and I know that is wrong. So I’m on my knees a lot. What about you? Has this opened your eyes to see that maybe you too have committed subtle sins?

By Carole Kerr 01/20/04


         
                            Lovingly in Christ,
                                     Carole