The Usefulness of Sin

I hate articles with "click bait" titles - that is, titles that seem to say something controversial to get you to read the article but, when you read them, don't actually rock the boat too much. That being said, I'm using something of a "click bait" title with this post - but I'm sure you can imagine where I'm headed with this.

I am a sinful human being. I struggle with a number of sins, some more habitual than others. I make time to get in the Word, I pray a lot, I get friends to come around me and hold me accountable, and yet, I still sin. As any of you who live the Christian life know, the worst part of sin is the rush of clarity immediately after you realize you have sinned - that mix of guilt, frustration, and anger at yourself. Immediately after that comes the planning - this is how I will stop sinning. We think, if only I can do this or that or this other thing more (or less), if only I read the Bible more or talk to more people about it or change this routine or stay off the Internet more...the list goes on and on. And no matter how much we change things, no matter how many times we go through this process, we still sin again. It might take us longer, it might look different, but it happens. And each time we become more and more despondent.

2015 has, so far, been a year of transitions for me. Relationally, academically, professionally, you name it, it's changing. It has been a struggle, and I know it will continue to be. Sin is always present in the struggle, presenting itself like an old friend in the midst of uncertain circumstances. It's a lie, and I know that, but many times we as people convince ourselves that we can believe the lie, even just for a little bit, because it gives us a feeling that we might be able to control where we are a little bit. I know I have fallen prey to that many times so far. But in the midst of the guilt, the fear, and the frustration of sin, I've realized something. God has brought me to this realization before, and I'm sure He will again, but each time it's like a refreshing breeze, filled with understanding.

Sin is useful.

To be more accurate, the lesson sin can teach us is useful. Sin is what is wrong with this world, it brings nothing but ruin and death, and should be fought every moment of every day. When we sin, though, we are reminded of three crucial , crucial truths:

1. Our inherent nature is sinful, just like everyone else's.

2. We NEED Jesus.

3. We should be so unbelievably, immensely thankful for what Jesus has done in our lives and what He does every day.

Our sinfulness reminds us that we are sinful by nature. It connects us to the world, to humanity, to other people, Christian and non-Christian. Our sinfulness reminds of of how badly we need to be saved. And we have been saved! It should remind us to be thankful for that salvation, and give us a passion to tell others about Jesus and how He can do in their lives what He has done in ours.

"Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 5:18-21 ESV)

Sin must be fought without compromise. Paul says this much in the verses immediately following this passage. But our sins should not drive us to seek our own solutions. They should drive us that much further into the arms of Christ.