“For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not commit murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a transgressor of the law” (James 211).
Even in your heart. Even if you think of these things and do not physically act upon them, the Lord considers them a sin. Remember that James is speaking of the inner person. Who is the ‘you’ that no one sees? And do not think that one sin is worse than another, save the unforgivable sin of unbelief. But one who, with pride, arrogantly devastates another commits a spiritual sin worse than those that are just against the flesh.
Pride is what took down the devil. Do not be deceived, those who go on sinning as if nothing matters are far worse than those who live as pagans but know that what they are doing is wrong. But you who know, live in such a manner that you do neither. Live with the goal of not sinning at all. Receive grace when you fall into sin but seek the life to which you have been called and see the work of the Lord on the inner person, for this is the way of life.
Holy Spirit, You know me better than I know myself. You know where I am wrong and where I have sinned. Lead me through these faults to the place where I simply do what is pleasing to the Father. Guide me, O Lord, in the upward call of faith which You have given me. Lead me according to Your goodness and mercy to see that in You and by Your grace I have hope upon hope. Amen.
