The Sins of Commission and Omission

Most Christians can pinpoint areas of their lives they are missing the mark, falling short of God's glory, struggling with sin. We talk often about these sins, lying, lust, gossip, dishonest gain, watching things on tv and the movie screen we shouldn't watch, hurting others with our words...on and on the list goes. In any given day, we may struggle with various sins we are committing.

These are absolutely 'fleshly' things we need to pray about and remove from our daily lives. We know we are forgiven as believers and so we may approach the throne of God boldly in asking for forgiveness and cleansing from these sins.

We often don't focus as much on the sins of omission, however. As Pastor Kurt spoke about on Sunday, these are the sins that cause the most regret. It is those things we should have done and neglected to follow through on. These sins of omission are just as costly to our spiritual lives. Even more devastating, they cause us to miss out on the most amazing moments with God.

What are examples of sins of omission?

• God asks you to apologize to your child for yelling and you refuse.
• You know you are to give to the needy family down the street, but your bank account seems too low this week and you push it aside.
• The church is in need of workers for the ministry and you feel God nudging you to serve, but you allow fear to stop you.
• God nudges you to stop eating that hot fudge sundae, but the craving for sweets wins out.
• You know you should take a step of courage during a time of worship and lift your hands, pray out loud, or dance, but it's just too uncomfortable.
• You see a student in the hall being mistreated and bullied and you know you should say something or befriend this student, but you walk away.
• God has done so much in your life, but you don't share it with anyone.
• You have an opportunity to go to another country on a missions trip, but you pass it up.
• You see a teenager that seems sad and alone and you know you should encourage him/her, but the generational gap causes you to back off.
• God asks you to give extra in your church offering, but you had plans for it this week and keep it for yourself.
• You have had a dream to start a business for years, but don't take action toward seeing that happen.

These opportunities to DO something, act on what God is speaking to you to do, make a difference in someones life may never be regained. When we know we are to do something and do not respond, we are living in sin of omission. As Pastor Kurt said, these sins of omission are those we suffer the most regret from later on.

Don't live in regret and inaction! Rid your life of the sins of commission and then say YES to God every time He speaks to you! Keep your ears open to God's Spirit today and hear what He wants to say to you! Then... DO IT!! Take a risk and begin to live a life of obedience! The rewards stretch beyond your wildest imagination!!