Just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned . . . —Romans 5:12

Sin is nothing more than thinking I can act independently of God. This is no special revelation as this thought flows freely within the veins of each person. But Jesus chose to not act independently of God and took on the flesh of mankind to reveal to us the way to truly be human.My tendency is to categorize sin and set a hierarchy as to what is more or less, great or small sins. But when it all gets boiled down to the least common denominator, sin is when I make myself god. In other words, when I take on the role of knowing what is “best” for me and operating aside from a greater power than “I”. Jesus is not overly concerned about our moralism or behavior modification…even a dog can do tricks. Jesus is, however, deeply concerned about our motivations, intentions and beliefs in our hearts.

The nature of sin is really not something I can feel with my fingers. God alone is able to deal with sin in such a way as to restore a soul or cleanse a heart. It is only through the cross of Jesus Christ that God stamps out the nature of sin, giving me a completely new DNA and transmogrifies my soul. I have a tendency toward sin that is as natural as breathing. According to John 3:19, we all love darkness more then Light initially. But God in His great love (Romans 5:8) sent His son to save me from myself, not just giving me new “actions” but motivations and desires.

For more on this topic, read My Utmost For His Highest