Clergy/Leaders’ Mail-list No. 1-190 (Practical Christian Living)

THE SIN YOU DIDN’T COMMIT

by Michael

There is a sin of which each of us is guilty. Oddly enough, we “did it” without “doing” a thing. It’s called a sin of omission … the sin we do by doing nothing.

You see, each of us will find ourselves in situations where the opportunity is perfect for ministry. God provides with these golden moments in time, perfect for being a blessing, planting a seed, nurturing, or harvesting. All we must be is available.

A thought crosses our mind that we should do this or that for someone. Help this person or that person. Express an encouraging word or send a card. The thought comes. The thought goes. What a difference we could’ve made had we acted upon that God-inspired thought. Too often, because we think about doing something good, we think we actually DID it! Such mental ascension gets nobody nowhere! Amazing how we judge others by what they DO but judge ourselves by what we INTENDED to do.

As a business person, do you have a strategy for ministering to the people on your staff? In your apartment or dorm, can you bake bread for a neighbor? At school, is there a lonely school mate or teacher who needs encouragement? How about a single or an elderly person in church? As a church leader, does your ministry end after the service … or is it THEN that you start serving them by example? (By the way, we are ALL ministers.)

I once read a story that went something like this… a business man who was rushing to catch a bus, paused to buy a pencil from a ragged street person. He put some money in the poor man’s jar and walked off. After a few steps, he turned and said to the poor man, “Sir, I owe you an apology. I purchased a pencil from you a moment ago and did not stick around long enough to allow you to complete the transaction. May I please have my pencil?” Stunned, he slowly reached for a pencil with his dirty fingers and handed it to the stranger who thanked him and went on his way.

Years later, the business man was at a party and another business man approached him. He said, “Sir, you don’t know me. I met you years ago while I was selling pencils near a bus stop. You bought one of my pencils and spoke to me as one business professional to another. That sole act of kindness was enough shake me out of my circumstances and encourage me to reestablish myself as a productive member of society.”

One word. One act of kindness. It only takes a moment to make somebody’s day. Or change a life. It’s NOT simply about everyone being “nice” to each other, though that would be nice. Some people are nicer by nature than God’s kids can be by grace. We must perform our acts of kindness with a Kingdom agenda. I once heard from a witch whose Christian mother got more get well cards from the coven than she did from the church. Another woman told me her Muslim neighbors were more attentive to her needs when she was ill than her church had been. Saints, it’s about being Jesus with skin on. It boils down to what must be our heart’s motivation.

Jesus told us to shine our lights BEFORE MEN. He told us to be SALT of the earth, seasoning it, preserving, and purifying it. We mustn’t wait till the lost enter into our church buildings so they can observe us; we must live the Christian life in clear view, right there in front of God and everybody.

It’s the things we do … and fail to do … that can determine somebody else’s eternity. We certainly aren’t saved by our good deeds but we ARE created UNTO good works. Let’s not fail those who are in the darkness. Do your good deeds before men that you may win some. Winsome … ever heard that word? It means pleasant, delightful, attractive in a sweet, engaging way.

People should be attracted to the lifestyle they see you living out each day. They aren’t attracted to religion. There’s nothing desirable about one’s rule keeping abilities. They WILL be attracted to the vibrant, vital relationship with God that you exhibit. That gives us the opportunity to win souls … their minds, wills and emotions. Scripture tells us that “he who wins souls is wise.” So, c’mon, Church … let’s go “win-some.”

Do those who live in darkness see you as a light to lead them out? Let the light of Jesus be reflected through your life. Starting in your own home, with your spouse, kids, and roommates. Get it right in private because people are watching real close in public.

Yes, there is a sin of omission. If you’re a born-again Christian, you were forgiven for it at Calvary. Now, go and sin no more.

– Michael, a servant of God

Copyright (c) t.e.a.m. ministries, 2001 <>