Fourth of Lent 2010
March 2010
I want to talk to you today about sin. Some of us think that a sin is a sin because God said it was a sin. Some of us think that a sin is a sin because the church said it was a sin. Both of these views of sin are untrue. A sin is a sin because it does damage. It always damages the person themselves (that is the person who sins). It can also damage another person. It can also damage the community. If you examine anything that is regarded as a sin you will find that, in one way or another, immediately or gradually over a period of time, it always damages the sinner in some way. Not doing something can also be a sin and for the very same reason. For example not turning up to a family celebration, for no good reason, damages the unity and cohesion of the whole family in some way. It also damages you in the estimation of your whole family. In the very same way my not attending the weekend service of my Parish community, for no good reason, damages me and the whole parish family.
Where does God enter in all this? I am God’s beloved child. I am of great worth not only in God’s eyes but also in reality, for I am created in Gods image and likeness. The Angels bow down in respect and admiration in the presence of a human being. Anything I do which damages me or another human being is the desecration of something of great value. With what horror we are repelled by wanton damage to a great work of art. With what horror does the loving parent see their beloved child put itself in danger either deliberately or thoughtlessly. That is how God comes into this.
Recognising sin for what it is, requires great honesty. I need to take off the blinkers of selfishness and self gratification to see clearly, for there are bundles and bundles of reasons as to why I can convince myself that sin is not sin.