What is Sin to You?

As a (Claytons*) Preacher, one occasionally hears all kinds of definitions of what sin is. To some, there are even big sins and little sins. So what is sin?
According to the Greek word translated Sin in our Bibles, it is an archery term and simply means missing the mark or object aimed at. So sin is simply missing at achieving whatever it is that you were aiming at. So, you have either hit your target or you have missed your target. So there is no real difference in a little miss or a big miss is there? A miss is a miss and that is all there is to it, isn’t it? And it is the same with sin. Whether small or big sin is still sin!
Now, as to what is sin to you, the best definition of that that I have come across, is in the Bible in James chapter 4, verse 17. There it says, “Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, commits sin.” (NRSV).
Really quite simple isn’t it? Anything that you know is right, but YOU don’t do it, is a sin for you. Yes even though it may not be a sin for anyone else, if you know what is right but don’t do it, it is a sin for you. As you have missed what you aimed for.
So in closing what are you currently aiming at but missing and what will you do about it now?

*Claytons: Non-alcoholic drink substitute. Catchphrase: “the drink you have when you're not having a drink.”

How strong is Satan?

How often do you hear or even say yourself, “I didn’t want to do it, but Satan made me do it?”
Sounds like a great excuse to some but it is a real COP OUT.
Leon Morris in his commentary “Luke”, (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries Revised edition; Inter-Varsity Press England 2004.) on page 114 mentions “Farrar draws attention to an important point when he cites Augustine’s comment that Satan can do no more than suggest” only the tempted person can perform the wrong act…”
That’s right! Satan cannot make you do anything. He can only suggest. Sure, suggest strongly I do agree, but still that is all he can do, suggest.
You and only you, can do the act itself. So the next time you hear, or want to use that excuse, remember, “Satan can only suggest”. And you and only you can do the act. So don’t blame Satan or anyone else, but blame yourself for each and every wrong act of yours.