James 4:17 KJV
[17] “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”
Here we have one of the Bible’s definitions of sin. Whenever we think of sin, we often think of doing something wrong. James tells us that sin is also when we know to do good and fail to do it. That is called a sin of omission. Once we have received the light of truth in a matter, God expects us to respond to it. He expects us to apply what we know to our daily lives. To do nothing about it is to sin. How many of us would plead guilty to ignoring the truth of God’s Word?
To sin against light is a serious thing. God will hold us accountable based on what we know. Think about how blessed we are in America to have the opportunity to hear preaching and teaching on a regular basis. We have received light that others have never had. The question is, what are we doing with what we know? Are we applying it to our lives?
Whenever the Holy Spirit shows us a truth or impresses on us to do something, we should always obey Him. Our hearts must be surrendered and sensitive to His leadership. But, we are to have the same attitude toward the Scriptures. Remember, there is no need for conviction by the Spirit if we have the command in the Scriptures. There is no need to hear a voice if you have a verse. I say this because many today choose not to do good by claiming the Spirit of God has not convicted them. Now, I know He can and that He does convict, but why would He when it’s already written in black and white? If we know to do good, we should do it. If we choose not to do the good we know to do, we have sinned. God has given instructions on what to do and how to do it, and it is our responsibility to take what He has given us and put it in shoe leather.