Sin’s Effect
What is the price of sin? What effect or effects are there as a result of choices we make or don’t make?
In the passage below, Elihu, one of Job’s friends, commented about sin’s lack of effect on God.
If you sin, what do you accomplish against him? Even if you sin again and again, what effect will it have on him? If you are good, is this some great gift to him? What could you possibly give him? No, your sins affect only people like yourself, and your good deeds affect only other people. – Job 35:6-8
But is that really true?
In 1961 a scientist by the name of Edward Lorenz was working on some weather prediction models. Instead of entering the number .506127 into his computer, thinking that it would make little difference, he entered .506 and walked away for a short time. When he returned he was astounded at the result; the resulting computer weather simulation was completely different than what he expected. Later, while writing and speaking about this discovery he said, “One flap of a butterfly’s wings could alter the weather forever.” In a 1972 conference the scenario was posed as the question, “Does the flap of a butterfly’s wings in Brazil set off a tornado in Texas?” The conclusion is that a minute alteration in wind-pattern could have radical results.
Therefore I disagree with Elihu, for two reasons. The first being as a result of Edward Lorenz’ work. Sin can and does alter God’s perfect will for our world. One tiny act that is outside of God’s desire for us affects the course of our lives and that of others. If even one person doesn’t make it to Heaven, then God’s perfect plan is disrupted – we’ve affected him.
The second reason I disagree is because of the following words from Jesus.
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16
The world spoken about is not the globe, it is the inhabitants of it. If you love someone, and they make choices that are contrary to what you know is best for them, it pains you. Lest you think that I’m making it up that it pains God to see us sin, look at the following verses.
Now the LORD observed the extent of the people’s wickedness, and he saw that all their thoughts were consistently and totally evil. So the LORD was sorry he had ever made them. It broke his heart. – Genesis 6:5-6
God’s heart was broken over man’s sinful condition and depravity.
So, sorry Elihu. Sin affects both people and God.
Father, please help me to not flap my wings in ways that would disrupt your perfect plans. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ride the current of God’s will. Jan
My Journey in God's Word 