God perceives sin differently from how ordinary humans understand it. A superficial observation suggests that sin is found in explicit evil actions. This is why only humans are uniquely associated with sin, as they solely embody both good and evil. Animalistic behaviour, regardless of its crudity, does not constitute sin. The scriptural basis for this assertion can be verified by examining passages such as Revelation 3:16-19. The goodness, according to worldly standards, does not reflect what God means by sin. This is just as positive and negative electric currents are not harmful when left detached from each other.
Biblical Perspective on Sin
The Bible consistently emphasizes the dangers of moral compromise. For example:
- James 4:17: “To him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.”
- Matthew 6:24: “No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve God and mammon.”
These passages highlight the importance of wholehearted commitment to righteousness rather than attempting to balance good and evil.
Assuming that only goodness carries advantages is misguided, as one remains confused without appreciating such advantageous realities. It is essential to recognize that evil can also grant satisfaction, although limited to the lifespan of physical humanity. While the effects of goodness can be experienced and carry long-term benefits, they also have short-term disadvantages. These are the realities of life that need clarity in understanding. There may be satisfaction for those who choose to pursue short-term gains, though creating friction with their contemporaries. Nevertheless, pursuing goodness also creates friction when coexisting with unethical people.
Sin does not exist in either short-term or long-term advantages, but lies in blending both short-term and long-term advantages of good and evil. The complexity of life is that goodness does not always yield immediate or obvious advantages. Unethical or “evil” actions provide short-term gains to some individuals, such as financial profit or personal advancement. This aligns with the real world where unethical behavior can appear rewarding. In short, ethical lifestyles may grant short-term disadvantages, with long-term benefits. Conversely, an unethical lifestyle provides short-term benefits, while providing long-term disadvantages.
The concept of sin transcends both short-term and long-term advantages, residing instead in the amalgamation of advantages derived from good and evil actions over varying timeframes. The intricacy of life lies in the fact that goodness does not always produce immediate or conspicuous benefits. Unethical or “evil” actions are often associated with short-term gains for certain individuals, such as financial profit or personal advancement. This phenomenon mirrors the real world, where unethical behaviour can appear to be rewarding.
Many unethical actions (e.g., lying, cheating, or exploiting others) can yield immediate rewards. However, these actions often lead to consequences, such as loss of trust, legal repercussions, or personal guilt. In an unethical society, a person may get away with such misdemeanours. Without proper education, an unethical society may find life enjoyable. However, an ethical person living within an unethical society can be miserable.
Individuals must choose their priorities, and the morality of their choices depends on the means and consequences. Pursuing short-term gains through unethical actions, such as exploitation or harm to others, is generally considered wrong, regardless of the timeframe. Many people engage in criminal activities because they find satisfaction in criminality. Although such activities may produce some advantages for them, repercussions are also inevitable. The choice to pursue the ethical dimension in decision-making is motivated by a pure understanding of the advantages of eternity.
An unethical person may live a long life and die at an old age, yet without any hope of achieving eternity. Such individuals can enjoy life just as ethical people do. Sinful individuals, characterized by boastfulness, are often the most envied. They have an advantage over their counterparts who may envy their lifestyles but cannot access their privileges. This ultimately suggests making informed decisions when deciding on choices in this life. Sinful people may also live miserably on earth but are unable to attain the desired eternity.
Assuming that goodness always carries advantages is a notion held only by the misinformed, particularly when considering the effects of the cross. Evil offers immediate benefits but leads to long-term consequences, whereas goodness promises sustainable and lasting rewards, even in this life. There may not be anything inherently disadvantageous in pursuing sinful actions when focusing solely on physical advantages. Indeed, prudence requires properly evaluating circumstances before adopting an advantageous route. Sin or wrongdoing arises not from the timeframe of immorality but from blending goodness and evil, as illustrated by the Scripture below:
“So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent” (Revelation 3:16-19 NKJV).
A careful analysis of the above scripture shows that God detests the blending of goodness and evil. God is not as riled by those whose choices are clear, whether pursuing evil or extreme goodness. God detests the in-between choices, being neither of the two extremes. The rejection suggests being thrown into the lake of fire at the end. God bears with those pursuing unrighteousness out of ignorance but detests comfort-seekers who know the truth but are unwilling to commit to it. Therefore, the danger of sinning lies in blending both good and evil, just as the danger of experiencing the voltage lies in combining negative and positive electric currents.
To an uninformed person, the Christian life may seem extremely unenviable. However, for someone who makes an informed decision to pursue Christianity, the short-term disadvantages of life become insignificant. This is what qualifies choosing to pursue Christianity as a matter of life and death. The most painful thing is to observe those who appear to be dedicated Christians, yet seem unaware of what Christianity truly entails. Those inspired by role models to embrace Christianity ought to reexamine themselves, as Christianity is not based on personalities. Those promising prosperity and other exciting effects of Christianity should be viewed as deceivers.
A born-again Christian cannot be attracted to anything in this world. Such a person is directly connected to God, making it impossible to be motivated by worldly attractions. Any adulation from the people of this world should be regarded as an anathema by those connected to true Christianity. The sign of being connected to God is not found in worldly approval but in worldly disapproval. This is why Jesus uttered an indelible statement when lecturing His disciples during His famous Olivet Sermon.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:10-12 NKJV).
Throughout the teachings of Jesus, there is no promise of comfort in pursuing the Christian life. The price of attaining eternity requires surrendering all the comforts that this world offers. Just as Jesus lived to be a sacrifice for sinful humanity, a Christian follows in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, enabling the individual to be identified with Jesus. There is truth in the notion that not many people appreciate that there is no difference between Jesus and true Christians. Those embracing Christianity often do so for what they can gain from it, rather than being willing to commit to giving as much as Jesus did.
It must be emphasized that true Christianity is not achieved through personal effort but by the Spirit of God. The starting point is baptism in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, according to Scripture. A person connected to God receives communication from Him and can be known for practising peculiar things, just as Christ was known for practising peculiar things (Matthew 23:8-13). The real problem lies in being attached to those considered spiritual leaders in one’s surroundings. God’s child cannot be shared with anyone and takes instructions directly from God. The tragedy of Christianity is found in supposing that focusing on another person to reach out to God is necessary.
For the enlightened, it is worth reiterating that while there may be short-term advantages in pursuing evil, the long-term consequences are inevitable. Conversely, living a righteous life may present short-term challenges but offers long-term rewards. This physical life should be regarded as temporary, and everything associated with it should be viewed with caution. A person who feels comfortable in this world while claiming to be a Christian may be under serious deception. True identification as a Christian requires sacrifice, as exemplified by Jesus through His own sacrifice.
Conclusion: Embracing the Complexity of Life
The interplay between good and evil, short-term gains and long-term benefits, is a fundamental aspect of the human experience. While evil may offer temporary advantages, it ultimately leads to destruction. Goodness, though challenging in the short term, provides lasting rewards and aligns us with divine principles.
The key to navigating this complexity lies in wholehearted commitment to righteousness, avoiding the lukewarmness that God detests. By embracing the cost of discipleship and focusing on eternal rewards, we can live lives that honour God and reflect the transformative power of true Christianity.
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilization, laying down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from the current state of economic depression into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, bringing relief to those having witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions––leading to the current economic and social decay. Most Zimbabweans should find the book as a long-awaited providential oasis of hope, in a simple conversational tone.
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