Now there are some static, linear definitions of sin like "missing the mark" or "falling short of God's perfect standard" or "anything you think, say, do, or attitude you possess that isn't what God has prescribed." All of those are absolutely true. They are fine definitions. But they also fall terribly short themselves, and do not speak to the depth of sin in our lives. The problem with linear definitions is that they reek of religious moralism. Sin just becomes a check list to avoid. And when you avoid the negative checklist, it's just too easy to compare yourself to others and see how much better off you are than they, and you become self-righteous which is a form of pride. Which is sin. Perhaps the most dangerous one.
So how do we understand sin on a deeper level? In Tim Keller's book "The Prodigal God," he unpacks the parable commonly known as the Prodigal Son from Luke 15. The younger brother in the parable is the poster-child for a rebellious sinner. The older brother is the steadfast, hardworking son. But at the end of the parable, it's the older brother who finds himself not enjoying the Father (note the capital "F") and the rebellious younger brother is restored back into the family.
The lesson? Sin is more than just breaking the rules like the younger brother. Sin also includes using our morality and obedience to get the things we want - like control over God (like "foxhole prayers" - God, if you just get me out of this, I'll sell all my stuff and be a missionary to deepest, darkest Africa). So, as Keller puts it, sin is really putting yourself in the place of God as Savior, Lord, and Judge. We do this both through our rebellion and through our moralistic obedience.
The bottom line? Sin is idolatry. The idolatry of ourselves.
2 comments:
This was a really good post. I appreciate the way you came at the topic. It seems the more we understand how much sin is in our lives the more we appreciate the grace that has been given to us.
Wow. Well said.
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