Sin

All living things look hopefully to you,
and you give them food when they need it.
You give them enough
and satisfy the needs of all.
The LORD is righteous in all he does,
merciful in all his acts. (verses 15-17)

Read Psalm 145:10-18

Have you ever wondered what the worst sin of all is? Have you ever wondered what the first sin was? Have you ever tried to explain to someone what sin is? In one of his letters St Paul describes sin in very simple but profound terms: ‘They know God, but they do not give him the honour that belongs to him, nor do they thank him’ (Romans 1:21).

All human beings have an awareness of God. We are all moral beings. We are all rational and thinking beings. And we can see the evidence of a creator all around us. But instead of honouring God as the creator and sustainer of life, we look always to ourselves and give glory to our own understanding and strength. As a result, we see no need to thank any sort of divine being, because we believe that we have done it by ourselves.

The psalm writer knew better. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, we too know better. So let’s always give the glory to God and continue to thank him for all his goodness to us.

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for your mercies, your love, your life given in your Son. Amen.

by Greg Graham, in ‘Guidance for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2002)

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