Keep It Simple
and whatever is not from faith is sin Romans 14:23
Whatever – Paul must have been a crazy fanatic! How could he say something like this? Do we really believe that everything that does not arise from faith is sin? That’s what Paul says, whether we like it or not. The Greek is pan, as in pandemic or panorama. All! There is no avoiding it. All that is not of faith is sin.
Oh, how troubling this is. Start thinking through your day. Are all of your actions based in faith? Is every word you say a result of a faith perspective? Are your thoughts, every one of them, held captive to Christ? Paul gives us the “Simple Simon” version of judging acceptable behavior before the holy God. It is either from faith or it is sin. Easy to remember. Incredibly challenging to accomplish.
The Puritans knew how to pray. One of the remarkable themes found in Puritan prayers is constant confession. They understood something that we have ignored. Whatever is not of faith is sin. Therefore, confession is found daily on the lips of the faithful. Our lives are riddled with things that are not based in faith. The short list might include anxiety, pride, despair, regret, self-sufficiency, arrogance, accumulation, power and prejudice. Since these (and many more) seem to be the daily diet of most of us, how is it possible for Paul to be so digitally critical. He allows no gray areas. Faith or sin – nothing in between. How can I ever live like that in a world that seems to be nothing but shades of gray?
It starts with the discipline of remembering.
When I am faced with anxiety, I remember the sovereign God Who loves me.
When I am confronted with my pride, I remember the God Who died for me.
When I despair, I remember the God Who never lies.
When I regret my past actions, I remember the God Who forgives.
When I am tempted toward self-sufficiency, I remember the God Who rules all.
When I discover my own arrogance, I remember the God of infinite glory.
When I seek accumulation, I remember the God of compassion and sacrifice.
When I desire power, I remember the God of weakness.
When I recognize my prejudice, I remember the God Who shows no partiality.
The more I remember, the more my life conforms to the atmosphere of faith. The more I remember, the more I experience God’s majesty and my dependence.
Have you entered into the discipline of remembering?
