2022

  Today we are going to talk about certain actions we may do or see, and whether or not we think it is sin.

We have seen this many times: shopping carts left all over a parking lot sometimes any a few feet from the cart containers, grocery items purposely misplaced on grocery shelf because the customer no longer wanted the item. Maybe we have witnessed someone parking in a handicap parking spot that does not have a handicap sticker, or the person who will hold up traffic for the hope to get a closer parking spot. Or we just witness or do something that you know should do and do not. Our first response is usually like, oh come on! Really! It started to make me wonder on these somewhat petty things to observe, and if it was maybe more to what meets the eye. A while back I was talking with my wife about some of these and were both in agreement that these simple acts themselves are usually the byproduct of and underlying problem.

James 1:21   Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

Proverbs 18:9   He also that is slothful in his work Is brother to him that is a great waster.

Proverbs 19:24   A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom,  And will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

 The Bible talks in good detail about being lazy, slothful. In so many instances our laziness has direct effect on those around us. Luke 6:31 tells us we should do to others what we would want them to do to us. On thing to thing about is when we are doing our jobs or any other tasks, we do usually find it annoying if someone causes us to have to do a little extra, especially when it could have been avoided by the actions they took.

  Many time our actions are the result because we are in a hurry, we want to be the first at whatever we are doing or going.

Matthew 19:30   But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.

Mark 10:31   But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.

Luke 13:30   And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.

Mark 9:35   And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.

 This desire to be first all the time causes us to start taking short cuts or not even finishing tasks just to be in that I am in a hurry position to be first. Usually these actions have effect on those around us. You could say that we become very self-centered with our actions, and not caring about anyone else but ourselves.

1 Peter 3:8   Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

  Small little story. We all know how sometimes it is a hassle going through airports, especially checking in a and going through security. As I was getting ready to check my bags, I had noticed a young couple that had been walking some distance to get to the airport with their small child in tow. As I was in line to check my bags it was my turn to do so. I turned and told them I had seen them walking with their young child for some distance and told them to please go ahead of me for I was in no rush. They graciously thanked me and proceeded to checkout. I went after them and checked my bags and stuff. Not thinking anything else of it I headed over to go through security. After being in security line a while I looked around an noticed the couple inline also. I was way ahead of them in line, and the first thing I thought of was, wow, my small gesture to put someone in front of me still kept me on pace. Even with he attitude to be last in the situations, I found God had still put me first.

 Today is just a heart check on the little things we do or not do that have a profound effect on others. Some of it has to do with our own laziness, while some of it has to do with always being in a hurry, or the extreme desire we have to be first.

  The question now is, are these small actions or non actions sin or not? I will leave this an open question. Would love to hear your thoughts.