MARCH 19, 2025 ~ FROM A PASTOR'S HEART

MARCH 19 DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READING: JAMES 4:13-17

The Bible teaches that there are sins of commission. These are willful acts of disobedience to the Lord. These sins are where we actually do something that is contrary to what the Lord has said is right. We understand and are most familiar with sins of commission. The Bible also says that there are sins of omission. If we know to do right and do not do it, it is a sin. The excuse of, well, I didn't do anything wrong, is not good enough. Sometimes doing nothing is a sin in itself. Jesus talked about those who fed Him, clothed Him and visited Him when He was in prison. His disciples were confused and asked, when did we see You in need of food, of clothes, or in prison? Jesus said, "If you have done this to the least of these, you have done it to Me." The great commission speaks of sharing the gospel and making disciples. If we are not doing this we are sinning. We are to take care of the widows, the orphans, the genuinely poor. If we are not doing this, we are sinning. To know to do right and not do it is a sin.

It is easy for us to identify willful acts of sin, especially in other people. However, it is not so easy for us to honestly evaluate the sins of commission. Not doing what God has told us to do, is just as much a sin as doing the wrong thing. Obedience to God's direction in our lives needs to happen when He speaks. Procrastination is disobedience...it is a sin of omission. The Lord told us that we must work His works while it is still day, for the night is coming when no one can work. When we procrastinate, we miss the opportunity of that moment that has been given to us by the Lord. If God is leading in something today, then today is the day of obedience. There is no guarantee that He will ever lead in the same way again. We followers of Jesus need to do the right thing, because it is the right thing to do...and we need to do it when the Lord leads. Merely saying, "l didn't do anything" may be the problem!

Please share your thoughts.