What is Sin- Part 2...by Michelle Peterson(GUEST BLOGGER)

Last week, I shared a little bit about my background with you, which has largely impacted the way I have looked at right and wrong my entire life. To me, sin was a large blanket term for just about anything that was fun or enjoyable. It was vague enough that it caused a great amount of confusion, which led to tons of feeling like a failure and loads of guilt and pain. To me, sin was something I couldn’t fully understand, and therefore it was something that I couldn’t do my best to avoid.

This changed for me very recently. I would like to share with you what my pastor shared with us a few weeks ago, which has been a truly life changing for me. It has cleared up my definition and understanding of what sin is, and showed me a truly simple way of knowing what sin is and what it is not.

You ready for this?

Brace yourself,

This is too simple.

Sin is anything that draws you away from God.

That’s it.

Told you it was simple.

Now I am not talking about things that we all know are wrong, such as murder, adultery, stealing and so forth. Those things are not only against God’s law but also our moral codes and “legal” laws.

It takes some self evaluation and examination to discover what is and is not sin, but when you use that guideline, it makes it crystal clear. Suddenly, it isn’t a vague concept of right and wrong or a huge list of rules to follow. It is what God shows you about yourself and what you need to change in your life.

Sin is anything that distracts you from God, or in other words something that you place as an idol instead of giving God His rightful place. It could be the love of money, or a possession. It could be a hobby or a habit. In some cases, it is another person or a job.

I know this is going to create controversy and generate some raised eyebrows, but I am asking you to examine yourself and see what sin you commit on a regular basis. Not many of us are serial killers, but we all have something that God is trying to change in our lives. Maybe it is something we say, or something we do. Ask God to show you what He wants you to see.

Next week I want to give some specific examples of what I am referring to and I hope you will share your thoughts on this.

Michelle Peterson:

I am a happily married, stay at home mother of a 12 year old daughter. I was born and raised in Southeast Georgia before becoming a Navy wife for over 10 years. I strive to live purposefully, doing as God directs and leads me. I enjoy reading, writing, scrapbooking and cooking. It is my desire to live a life pleasing to God in all areas and grow in His teachings..

Visit her at- http://www.scrappygypsy.blogspot.com