I am a sinner and this morning I began to study the word to gain more knowledge of just what that means. I know that I act against the LORD and that is sinning by this sinner, but I know that there is more to it than just the acts. I feel, like I do with all things, it is important to know and not just hear about things.
As I began my study, I was brought to the passage in Ecclesiastes that discusses the value of wisdom. This was a surprise to me being that I was looking into the sinner. Where does wisdom come into the picture in this regard.
“18Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.” — Ecclesiastes 9:18 (ESV)
I am brought to the saying of “one bad apple spoils the whole bunch” or similar. What is referred to is that just having one rotten piece of fruit will speed the rottenness taking over the larger group of fruit. In the above verse, I see that exact idea being brought to light. There is good in the world and that good is to be looked at and celebrated. But, I have to be careful to celebrate the good as good and be weary of that which may look good only to be rotten. The one rotten side of the fruit can make things rotten for the entire basket.
Sinners will masquerade. We can be good on one side and then turn the other way and allow evil to abound. On one side, I am loving and caring and want others to see that which brings good. On the other side, I am self-serving and looking to bring good to me. I have to remember each of these sides of me as a sinner. I masquerade each and every day. I am two in one. I am a sinner just as all others.
But, I do have God on my side to help me. I know that I am a sinner and that I am masquerading as not being one, but I am. But, I am a sinner who has been forgiven. I have been forgiving for those sins I have committed and those I will commit. I have to remember that I will still commit sins and that those sins can and will destroy. I have to be conscious of my life of sin and do all I can to remove the mask and be the forgiven sinner that does all to bring love and comfort at all times. I do not want to be the one sinner that will destroy. I have to be the Christian that brings love.
One sinner can tear it all down. I have to work to not be that sinner.
What are your thoughts on being the one that could destroy it all? Are you avoiding the idea that one can do so much damage to the larger good? What if you recognize that you are a sinner and that you have been forgiven and that you need to remove the mask and bring love?
Trevor's Thoughts 