The term gray refers to a color intermediate between black and white. This description highlights the distinction between right and wrong. Some variations of gray may be closer to black with others leaning toward white. However, when the sunsets and darkness emerges, determining one from the other becomes increasingly more difficult. These conditions leave many today living in a shade of gray.
So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin, James 4:17.
The earthly brother of Jesus introduces the concept of sins of omission in the passage above. Likely taught to him by his big brother, James adds a new level to what it means to sin against God. While the Old Testament points to the ten commandments, the New Testament stresses becoming a doer of the Word of God. Knowing the Bible is one thing, but if you don’t apply Jesus’ teaching, the apostle Paul refers to you an annoying distraction. Thus, if you know what is the right thing to do and fail to do it, you are just as guilty as a blatant sinner.
If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love [for others growing out of God’s love for me], then I have become only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal [just an annoying distraction]. 2 And if I have the gift of prophecy [and speak a new message from God to the people], and understand all mysteries, and [possess] all knowledge; and if I have all [sufficient] faith so that I can remove mountains, but do not have love [reaching out to others], I am nothing, 1 Corinthians 13:1-2.
In her song Strangely Dim, Francesca Battistelli sings about how thoughts influence your perspective on life. When you dwell on the negative, hope becomes strangely dim. Yet, when you look to God by fixing your eyes upon Jesus, everything seems to fall into place. Yet, temptation does not give up, using justification and rationalization to deceive you with shades of gray. May this attached you tube and the words of my blog guide you through confusing times by clinging to God’s Word when you can’t distinguish between right and wrong.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 