Avoid Being Caught Unprepared in Church (3)
By Babatunde Olugboji
As we conclude the series examining the gravity of sin, have you noticed that we often perceive “sin” through the lens of various specific transgressions: distinct outward manifestations of wrongful conduct, which we categorise into sizes – small, medium, and large? For instance, murder, adultery, and theft are considered large sins; while outbursts of anger, internet pornography, and tax evasion may be viewed as medium-sized sins; and holding grudges, everyday lust, and envying a friend’s car are classified as small sins. 
Naturally, these classifications are not rigid: the sins committed by others tend to be regarded as medium or large, whereas our own transgressions are easily deemed small. The inner voice that tempts us (which is essentially our own flesh) suggests, “That type of sexual immorality is insignificant – and besides, we are planning to marry. We can afford to be proud and self-serving because we are engaged in significant endeavours for God. How unreasonable it would be to expect someone like me to be humble and considerate of the needs and desires of those around me!”
However, behind every single sin – regardless of whether we categorise it as minor, moderate, or significant – lies a heart attitude from which it originates. Each time we sin, we prioritise something over God’s glory. This could be our comfort, our self-importance, our pleasure, or our yearning for a fleeting escape from reality; nonetheless, there is something our hearts are valuing more than the glory of God or our obedience to Him at that moment. This rebellious mindset renders each sin, no matter how “small,” grave in the eyes of God. 
It constitutes an act of cosmic treason against our creator, wherein we opt to believe his adversary, Satan, rather than trust in his word. Ironically, similar to Ananias and Sapphira, we can even transform what appears to be a significant act of self-sacrifice and service to God into a means of enhancing others’ perceptions of us beyond what is genuinely accurate. Whenever we permit others to hold a more favourable view of us than we merit, we propagate a falsehood and sin not only against them but also against God! Such transgressions carry severe repercussions.
The deceitfulness of our hearts prompts the inquiry regarding how we discern when our “virtuous” actions are truly self-serving, thereby constituting acts of cosmic betrayal. In one regard, it is evident that all our deeds, even the most commendable, are tainted by the venom of self-interest. Our intentions are invariably somewhat convoluted.
However, it often becomes particularly clear what motivates us when our aspirations are thwarted. If my primary focus is on serving God and outcomes do not align with my expectations, I may feel disappointment, yet I will not be utterly crushed. God remains sovereign over that setback as well, and he determines the outcome. Conversely, if my attention is directed towards my idols and I encounter failure, my idol will condemn me, leading to feelings of misery, anger, anxiety, and depression. 
When you counsel individuals who disregard your advice, or when you preach and receive no response, or when you perform an exceptionally kind act for your spouse or family and they fail to acknowledge it, that is the moment your true motivation is unveiled. If you aim to satisfy your idols, you will experience not just disappointment but profound devastation in such circumstances. You may react with anger or sulking, directed either at God or at those whom you perceive as obstructing your objectives. You might descend into depression or despair, which can sometimes manifest as another form of anger. Your reaction to the neglect of your good deeds serves to reveal the condition of your heart.
Whether big, small or medium, sin is sin. Stay clear of it!
Have a great week!
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