Wrongdoing is a common term used in the court of law. Defense attorneys set out to prove to the jury and judge that their client is not guilty of any wrongdoing. The Bible uses the imagery of light to illustrate what is right and true. Meanwhile, darkness is associated with wrongdoing. One of Jesus’ disciples doesn’t beat around the bush categorizing all wrongdoing as sin.
All wrongdoing is sin, and there is sin which does not [involve] death [that may be repented of and forgiven], 1 John 5:17.
In this age of passing the buck, blame is deflected to circumstances and situations. Meanwhile, if anyone tries to through you under the bus, justification and rationalization will begin to kick in. This natural defense mechanism is on display daily in talk shows as prominent figures make excuses to protect famous friends. Instead of being honest and open, the act of wrongdoing is swept under the rug.
But as it is, you boast [falsely] in your presumption and your self-conceit. All such boasting is wrong. 17 So any person who knows what is right to do but does not do it, to him it is sin, James 4:16-17.
The earthly brother of Jesus uses the passage above to confront wrongdoing. You maybe one of the most creative individuals who can come up with an excuse for anything in life. Yet, James places sins of omission in the same classification as sins of commission. Wrongdoing isn’t merely an act, behavior or choice. Rather, failing to intervene when you know you should is also a sin. The root of all wrongdoing is disobedience or as in the days of biblical Judges, doing what’s right in your own eyes.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 