Our children in Africa who are old enough to understand are often confused about sin. We don’t talk to the little children about “sin.” But the older children are often willing to say they made a mistake (and it’s always somebody else’s fault!), but they don’t want to admit that what they did was a sin. Hopefully this Simply Truth will help.
True: All have sinned
The Bible is clear in teaching that all people have sinned. We were born in sin (Psalm 51:5) and we continue to sin throughout our lives (Romans 3:10; Romans 3:23; Jeremiah 17:9). We will never become sinless in this life. That is why we should ask God for forgiveness and repent of our sins every day. 1John 1:9 tells us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Not true: All sins are equal
Not all sins are the same. Some sins have greater repercussions than others. That is because they are committed by those who have influence over other people. Sins committed by pastors or teachers are worse because they affect church members or students and because pastors and teachers should know better. James 3:1 says that those who teach others will be judged with greater strictness (James 3:1).
Therefore:
We must remember that we don’t just make mistakes. We sin. We should confess our sins to God every day. Furthermore, if we hold any position of leadership, teach others, or have influence over others in any way, we must remember that we will be judged more strictly.
One last “therefore”—church members should pray for their pastors and students should pray for their teachers. If we do, they will be blessed and so will we!
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