What is your attitude toward sin? The world in general are dismissive of the entire concept. A few years ago there were expressions of derision when our President referred to terrorists at “evildoers.” It seems that the idea of inherent evil is not too popular in our day. However, God used the term. In fact, the term is found 17 times in the text of the New King James translation. One example of this is in Isaiah 31:2, where the prophet promised, “Yet He [God] also is wise and will bring disaster, and will not call back His words, but will arise against the house of evildoers, and against the help of those who work iniquity.” It seems that God not only identified some as “evildoers”, but also proclaimed His strong opposition to their works.
In contrast, terms such as evil, wicked, bad, dirty and wrong are a badge of honor among some. Phrases like “deliciously wicked,” “you’re so bad!”, and “you have a dirty mind” are often said with a laugh and a wink, with obvious admiration for the audacity of the “scoundrel.” It is a laughing matter, an indication of worldly sophistication, and seen as evidence of an independent, rebellious streak to be admired and emulated.
At the same time the righteous are subject to ridicule. As Peter wrote, “In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you” (1 Peter 4:4). While in past years the righteous were considered prudes, judgmental and snobbish; in the present those who hold to God’s moral standards are derided as hateful, evil and intolerant. It has reached the point in our society where good is thought of as evil, and evil is trumpeted as natural and good.
The world is as it is because men have “exchanged the truth of God for the lie” (Romans 1:25). Men who refuse to acknowledge God, He will give over “to a debased mind” (Romans 1:28). The danger to Christians is that we may allow ourselves to be influenced by such ungodly attitudes.
It is for this reason we are called to “not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of [our] mind[s], that [we] may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2).
God hates sin! It is not a small thing to disobey Him. It is not something to laugh about. It is not sophisticated. It is not cool. “For all who do such things, all who behave unrighteously, are an abomination to the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 25:16). We would do well to think about sin the way God does, rather than mirroring the views of the worldly.
The applications are myriad. Think carefully before deciding who your companions will be. Consider how God would react to the books you read, or how your Savior would feel about the movies you watch. Is your language appropriate for those professing a Christian faith? Does your temperament mirror that of the meek and humble Savior of mankind? What about the thoughts of your heart? Do you heed Paul’s exhortation? “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8).
It is no small thing to dismiss evil. God considers it to be abominable. As Christians, we should feel the same way!
