A Definition of ‘Sin’
What is sin? This was the question posed by young collegian John Wesley in a letter addressed to his mother. Wesley’s goal was to get a clear, cut-and-dried formula for what comprised “sin.” After all, such technical definitions are easy to get around; stretched and bent for the allowance of things that our consciences (except when mollified by sinful rationalization) could never justify.
Wesley woefully underestimated his mother. The response given by this wise and godly woman was far different from what he expected… And it changed his life:
“Would you judge of the lawfulness or unlawfulness of pleasure, of the innocence or malignity of actions? Take this rule: whatever weakens your reason, impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscures your sense of God, or takes off the relish of spiritual things; in short, whatever increases the strength and authority of your body over your mind; that thing is sin to you, however innocent it may be in itself.”
August 26th, 2005 at 12:30 am
Alex,
I have been challenged and humbled by this quote. I am reminded of Genesis 3 and the consequences of Adam and Eve when they weaken there reason. May we be a people who will let the God of salvation convict us and give us His courage and His love so we will challenge all who are being saved to produce the fruit of righteousness. Also may we cultivate humble hearts and the love we will need to receive the rebukes so needed to the human heart and mind.
Grace
April 22nd, 2006 at 11:15 pm
a shorter explanation would be “disobedience to the will of God”.
December 10th, 2009 at 7:41 pm
Wow, even though this is a carefully constructed ad campaign, it is still nice and refreshing to see! Thanks so much for posting!