Sometimes I sin and actually tell myself, “This is no big deal.  Sure, God doesn’t like it, but it’s petty sin.  Like petty theft – it doesn’t really hurt anyone.”

That’s what I say.

And I am wrong.

Because sin – any sin – is lot more destructive than that.

Why?

Well, what is sin?

I’m thinking the heart of sin is distrust of God.  We sin by not obeying Him because we don’t trust He has our best in mind.  We think He’s going about things all wrong.  We think He is holding out on us.  We think we know better than He does what we need and what we should have.

Oh, the arrogance in our hearts.  It’s sickening, isn’t it?

I recently told God, “I know You say what I did was sin.  I agree Your Word says that.  But I just don’t feel bad about it.  It doesn’t seem like it should be called ‘wrong’.”

(By the grace of the Lord Jesus, I can say things like this to God – GOD! – and not be immediately struck down.)

God looked at me and said, “It’s wrong because you didn’t trust Me.”  His eyes were sad.  My heart fainted.  My actions had caused the sadness in my Savior’s eyes.  The guilt began to set in.  I knew He was right.  I hadn’t trusted Him to meet my needs and my wants.  I hadn’t trusted Him with my heart.

When I saw the pain in my Jesus’ eyes, I wanted to vow I’d never cause that pain – I’d never sin – again.  I didn’t make that promise because I know I’d never be able to keep it.

So, instead, I’m praying He’d remind me of His pain every time I am tempted to sin to motivate me not to.