Commission and Omission

Sin can be defined in many ways. There is the sin of commission, which is doing that which is wrong—crossing the line, disobeying God, and breaking a commandment.

But then there is a sin that James mentions, which is omission. This is failing to do what is right. We may boast of the things we no longer do. We might say, “Since I gave my life to Jesus Christ, I’ve changed . . . “; “I don’t do drugs”; “I don’t drink”; “I don’t lie”; “I don’t cheat”; “I don’t use profanity. . . . “

These things are commendable—and they should be part of the life of a Christian. But sin is not only doing the wrong thing; it is also failing to do the right thing. You might be priding yourself in all of the things you no longer do, but the question is, are you doing the right things? The Bible says, “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4:17). Many of us do well in avoiding certain sins, but we may fall short in doing the things that God is calling us to do.

James says the source of our problems is ourselves and our desire for self-gratification. So instead of thinking about ourselves, we should put the will of God at the forefront of our lives. The beautiful thing is that when we seek God, happiness comes as a by-product. It comes as a result of having our lives in order as we seek first the kingdom of God.

Are you doing what God is calling you to do today?