Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins. (James 4:17)
I am very creative in the way I sin - ingenious really. I break God's law in large and small ways, sometimes wilfully and at others, out of a struggle not to. The wrong things I do are obvious; the right things I refuse to do are less so. But these sins of omission are just as deadly as the sins I commit. As I engage in some self-examination, here are just some of the right things I fail to do:
- Speak the truth with love. I will often fudge the truth rather than risk conflict.
- Make room for difficult people. Some people are hard and I can find creative ways to keep them at a distance.
- An obvious one is my failure to treat my body with the respect that it deserves. It is the temple of the Holy Ghost after all.
- Actively parent my children and love my wife as first priorities. As someone has said, Jesus promised to build his church; I am called to build my family first and foremost.
- Speak out against injustice.
These are just some sins of omission evident in my life. Lord, forgive me. Renew and strengthen me! In his letter, James also promises that as we humble ourselves before God, we will be lifted up - as we draw near to God, God will come near to us. Thank you for your grace, Lord. I do not deserve it, but I receive it with a glad heart.
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