The (Charleston, SC) Post and Courier newspaper ran a headline in its Friday 4DEC09 paper announcing that “28 of (S.C. Governor) Sanford’s charges dropped.” The paper reported that;
Legislators tossed aside 28 charges Thursday against Gov. Mark Sanford they deemed too inconsequential to justify impeachment and now stand ready to take up the most serious issues.
The paper explained that of these 28 charges, 18 counts of Sanford flying at First or Business class were inconsequential—and I would agree that a State Governor would merit a First or Business Class seat. However, 10 of the other “inconsequential” charges were each regarding Sanford’s alleged improper reimbursement of less than $3000.
I’m sure that to an affluent politician $3000 is a drop in the bucket—it is not to me. It is serious and, furthermore, doing this ten times constitutes to a pattern of misconduct. Somehow, to the legislature of South Carolina, this is inconsequential.
Is this how it is in our personal lives?
We seem to believe; “Hundreds of white lies are never as a bad as one big one”, but this is not what the Bible teaches.
James 2:10 says;
10Â For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. (James 2:10, ESV)
This means that no sin is inconsequential and that all of us are sinners in need of a savior. No matter how big, no matter how small…no matter how often.
We are not to be those who pass judgment on others—that is God’s business and those he appoints to these posts. But, we are to examine ourselves.
Search your heart. Are you taking your inconsequential sins lightly? Are you satisfied that you are not committing the more serious offences?
We have a loving God who sent Jesus to die on the cross for the littlest of sin. None is inconsequential. And yet, one is unforgivable through the bloodshed by Christ.
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concerned_soldier says
Great points chaplain,
I find myself doing that, comparing this to that, or saying, “well at least it is not as bad as that guy or…”
Thanks great post!!
By the way Chief asked if I had heard from you, I just sent him the link to your blog. I think he misses you, as we all do, just the not the same chaplain!
Thanks again,
V/R
C_S