Ten Sins That We Now Take Less Seriously – Part One
He leads me …
What is sin? If we made a list of things that offend God, what would go on it? And does it really matter?
Sin is acting or behaving in a way that does not conform with God’s character or commands. It is about crossing lines that have been laid down for us by God. Sin is therefore an act of rebellion and distrust.[1]
Back in the 1950’s and early 60’s life was quite different than what it is now. When we left our house, it did not matter if the front door was unlocked, or a window was left open. It did not matter either when we went shopping that our car was unlocked. Two world wars and a depression had affected everyone at that time. They wanted peace and stability.
Children were taken to church and also taught manners. Manners were important because they provided polite ways of treating other people and behaving in public. They included saying ‘please’ which showed concern for others and saying ‘thank you’ which showed appreciation and respect. Manners showed others that we cared about them, so that everyone could feel comfortable in social situations. Essentially it was a practical application of, ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you’ as taught by Jesus in Luke 6:31 and Matthew 7:12.
Manners covered many aspects of life, but they came down to some basic principles of etiquette - consideration, respect, and honesty. Consideration prompted people to help a friend or stranger in need, to show appreciation and to offer praise. Respect was shown by being sincere and truthful. It also encouraged people to act with integrity in ways that honoured and respected others. Honesty is being authentic and genuine with others. No one likes anyone who is insincere, because it is not possible to trust them.
Underneath the image of the ‘perfect family’ was a frustration with any associated values which led to the unsettled family way of life in the 1960’s.[2] Cultural change was underway. The 1960’s saw the emergence of social movements around - civil rights, opposition to the Vietnam War, feminism, and environmental issues, as well as the first stirrings of gay rights. With this came a growing number of crimes ranging from disorderly conduct, minor theft, vandalism, car theft, burglary, and assault, through to rape and murder.
The standards of the conservative people of the early 1900’s were rapidly being eroded. The Ten Commandments which is the basis of most of our laws were being disregarded. As for the ‘sins of the flesh’ listed in Galatians 5, they were being ignored too. Things like - adultery, the wrong use of sex, worshipping idols, hate, quarrelling, jealousy, anger, wanting their own way, wanting what other people have, even killing. They drank too much strong drink and liked to take part in loud drinking and dancing (Worldwide English (New Testament) (WE)).
In what a contrary move, the Vatican announced a list of seven new mortal sins to add to the to the Roman Catholic church’s existing seven deadly sins of lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy and pride. The new sins are those that the church says are becoming more prevalent in an era of ‘unstoppable globalization’.
Father James Martin, editor-at-large of the Jesuit magazine America, discussed the importance of updating the list which is 1,500 years old. Father Martin said that people need reminding that sins do not just affect us as individuals. There are also social sins. They affect the community – collectively as well as individually.
The New Mortal Sins -
1. 1. genetic modification
2. 2. carrying out experiments on humans
3. 3. polluting the environment
4. 4. causing social injustice
5. 5. causing poverty
6. 6. becoming obscenely wealthy
7. taking drugs
These seven issues clearly oppose God and His standards. It is refreshing that today when it seems that our standards are based on what each one of us feels is right for us, this addition of seven new deadly sins suggest that there are still some absolutes in life. Could there be others that have become forgotten over the years?
Let us look at some examples –
1. A flutter on the Lottery
The Bible does not condemn gambling, betting, or the lottery specifically. The Bible does warn us, however, against the love of money (1 Timothy 6:10; Hebrews 13:5). Scripture also encourages us to avoid trying to ‘get rich quick’ (Proverbs 13:11; 23:5; Ecclesiastes 5:10). Instead, we are to work to earn a living (2 Thessalonians 3:10; Proverbs 14:23). Gambling focuses on the love of money and tempts people with the promise of quick and easy riches – often at other people’s loss.
Let us look at one of these verses to get an idea of what the Bible says –
People who want to be rich fall into all sorts of temptations and traps. They are caught by foolish and harmful desires that drag them down and destroy them. The love of money causes all kinds of trouble. Some people want money so much they have given up their faith and caused themselves a lot of pain. (1 Timothy 6:9-10 CEV)
We know that buying a lottery ticket to win something is generally a waste of money. The chances of winning anything are slim at best, so we are better off using the money for something worthwhile. The Bible teaches the importance about stewardship and management in The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), The Parable of the Ten Minas (Luke 19:11-27), Luke 16:10-12 and 1 Corinthians 4:2.
What we learn is that not a single dollar that we receive is actually ours. It all comes from God, and He expects us to manage it properly. If we do, we will be trusted with more, but if we are not responsible with what He gives us, we will not be trusted with larger amounts.
We can still purchase a ticket if we want to. Some people buy a regular Lotto or raffle ticket because the money is going to good causes. If they get a prize, it is a bonus. But the prize is not the priority. Giving to a local school trip or the local ambulance service is not throwing our money away. Ultimately the final decision of whether we buy a lotto or raffle ticket is over to us and our conscience. Paul put it this way -
‘As I have said before, the Christian position is this: I may do anything, but everything is not useful. Yes, I may do anything but everything is not constructive. Let no man, then, set his own advantage as his objective, but rather the good of his neighbour.’ (1 Corinthians 10:23-24 PHILLIPS)
If we are not sure if we should buy a ticket or not, we can consider if there is a better way that the money could be used. Maybe it should be saved for future needs or given to the Lord’s work, not frittered away.
We will continue looking at other sins that tend to be forgotten in the next blog.
Dear Reader – If you have found some value in this blog, please feel free to send a copy on to your family and friends. Kind regards, John
[1] What Is Sin? Paul Carter, The Gospel Coalition Canada, ca.thegospelcoalition.org;
https://ca.thegospelcoalition.org/columns/ad-fontes/what-is-sin/
[2] Definition of Etiquette, Emily Post, emilypost.com;
https://emilypost.com/advice/definition-of-etiquette
[3] Vatican Includes Drugs and Wealth in New Sin List, National Public Radio, NPR.org;
https://www.npr.org/2008/03/11/88085760/vatican-includes-drugs-and-wealth-in-new-sin-list
