“Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?” (Romans 6:16).
Many articles have been written and sermons preached about the destructive nature of sin. It seems that the concept is accepted by other religions too. On Facebook the other day I came across a quote of Mahatma Ghandhi. Ghandi was Hindu, well known, a political activist and successful leader in accomplishing India’s independence from British rule. The title of the meme attributed to him, is “7 blunders of the world that lead to violence.” Though the language of “sin” is not contained in the meme, the points mirror what is taught in the word of God. Consider the following:
- Wealth without Work. Many passages speak of wealth. Its legitimacy is tied to hard work. This way the value of one’s possessions are known and appreciated. (cf. Ecclesiastes 5:19; Proverbs 28:19; 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12). The wise man of Ecclesiastes mentions the vanity of riches that are passed to another. “Then I hated all my labor in which I had toiled under the sun, because I must leave it to the man who will come after me. And who knows whether he will be wise or a fool? Yet he will rule over all my labor in which I toiled and in which I have shown myself wise under the sun. This also is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 2:18-19). The scripture clearly teaches of the oppression that is practiced by the rich over the poor (cf. James 2:6-7). This truth is exacerbated when that wealth is obtained with less than hard, honest labor.
- Pleasure without Conscience. Conscience is a heeding of right and wrong. When a man’s desires are unencumbered by that still small voice, his evil is unrestrained. Paul described this both about the Jews, “For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God” (Romans 10:3); and the Gentiles, “Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever” (Romans 1:24-25).
- Knowledge without Character. Paul made this clear in his admonition to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 8, “We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.” It is clear that knowledge alone does not blunt cruelty, hubris or selfishness. Knowledge is good, but only if wielded by one who is constrained by the concepts of love for God and man.
- Commerce without Morality. This is the common argument of the Marxist, though stated vainly because oppression is no less common in nations where there is no capitalism. But, it is true that making money, when its pursuit is the main or only objective, leads to oppression, deceitfulness and fraud. Look out for number 1! Is a common refrain. Just as Ananias and Saphira, (cf. Acts 5), who lied to the Holy Spirit to hide their profit, many today are more interested in money than good.
- Science without Humanity. This is the trope of many dystopian science fiction stories and movies, and was the regret of Robert Oppenheimer after introducing the atomic bomb to the world. His famous relating of the Hindu quote, “Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds,” shows this. Science is not intrinsically evil, but it often is used for evil and violent purposes when not retrained by God’s righteousness (cf. Romans 10:3). We can certainly include the subset of technology into this, as demonstrated clearly in our present society.
- Worship without Sacrifice. Giving your best is a requirement of God. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1). Worship without cost or sacrifice is not worthy of the Almighty Creator of the universe (cf. Malachi 1:7-8). As Paul stated, our love for God must encompass all of our heart, soul and mind (cf. Matthew 22:37).
- Finally, Politics without Principle. Principle has reference to core beliefs or convictions that govern a person’s behavior. It also carries the air of positivity. A principled politician serves others. His purpose is to help. A bit like a proper elder in the Lord’s church. “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:2-3). More are needed who are in politics to help others, and less are needed who are there to serve or further their own agendas.
So there you have it. 7 things that lead to violence or evil. Is it obvious? If you know God’s word, it should be!
