If someone asked you, “What is sin?”, how would you answer their question? We often define sin as doing something bad or breaking a set of rules. But what if sin is deeper than just an action? What if it’s actually rooted in something deeper?
At its core, sin isn’t just about doing the wrong thing; it’s about an unwillingness to trust that God’s way is truly for our good.
What is sin? It starts with a trust issue.
Sin often stems from a question: "Is God's way really the best way?” And we’re not the first ones to wonder.
One of the earliest examples is found in Genesis 3, when Adam and Eve chose to distrust God. The serpent planted seeds of doubt by asking, “Did God really say...?” (Genesis 3:1). That subtle question was enough to make Eve question whether God was truly looking out for her best interests when he asked her not to eat the forbidden fruit. Instead of taking God at his word, Adam and Eve drew their own conclusions, which ultimately led them to disobey God.
At its heart, sin isn’t just about breaking a rule—it’s about choosing our way over God’s, rooted in the belief that we know better.
Everyday examples of distrusting God’s way
We may not face talking snakes, but we still struggle to trust God from time to time. Here are a few practical scenarios where questioning God can lead us to sin:
- Generosity vs. Materialism: The world often says to hold on tightly to what we have, but God’s way calls us to give freely. “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)
- Sexual Boundaries: Culture normalizes “anything goes,” but God’s design for intimacy is within marriage. “Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does.” (1 Corinthians 6:18)
- Honesty Over Convenience: The temptation to cut corners or bend the truth feels easier, but God values integrity. “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth.” (Proverbs 12:22)
- Forgiveness vs. Bitterness: Holding onto hurt can feel justified, but God calls us to forgive. “Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
Sometimes mistrusting God’s way feels like self-preservation, but it ultimately leads to deeper dissatisfaction and disconnection from him.
How mistrust leads to sin
When our trust in God wavers, it starts a cycle:
- Mistrust: We question whether God's way is truly good.
- Disobedience: We act on our doubts, choosing our own path.
- Separation: Our choices create distance between us and God.
Sin isn’t just about breaking rules; it’s about breaking trust. It’s choosing to trust on our own understanding instead of God’s. But Scripture reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
How to trust in God’s goodness
If sin is rooted in mistrust, how can we rebuild that trust? Here's how to start:
- Know God’s Character: Spend time understanding who God is by studying the Bible. The more we know his heart, the more we’ll trust his ways.
- Test God’s Promises: Actively live out his commands and see their truth in action. Trust grows when we experience God’s faithfulness firsthand.
- Surrender Control: Release the need to know every outcome. Trusting God often means letting go and believing he knows best.
What if sin isn’t what you think?
Sin is less about breaking rules and more about failing to trust that God’s way leads to true life. When we grasp this truth, we can begin to address the deeper issue of mistrust rather than just focusing on behavior. If we choose to trust God’s goodness, we’ll find the freedom to follow his ways without hesitation.
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Spending time in the Bible is a sure way to get to know God’s heart. This Bible Reading Plan guides you through specific passages that reveal five things God will never do – check it out!
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