We are Responsible

“So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” James‬ ‭4:17‬ ‭

Sin comes in many forms. There have been times in my life where I have felt condemned by a “man made rule.” It was something that God convicted someone else of not something that was written in the Bible or that He had convicted me of. When I was younger, I would take on that condemnation. It would create a struggle between my flesh and what I thought I had to do to be right with God.

At the same time, I know there are things in my life that God has convicted me of, that if I chose to continue to do, is for me sin. They are not things that are clearly defined as sin in the Bible, but things that He has shown me are not beneficial to my walk with Him. These are things that I know are the right thing to do for my relationship with God. Failing to do it, is sin.

This scripture applies to things that are clearly forbidden in the Word, the like the 10 Commandments. It also applies to the many other commands and “Do Not” statements that are included in the Bible. When we become aware that something is right, or wrong we are responsible for it.

When I get a revelation that the Bible says ““But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” Luke‬ ‭6:27-28‬” then I become responsible for loving my enemies. I am responsible for doing good to those who are against me. I am responsible to bless those who curse me. I am responsible to pray for those who abuse me.

We are also responsible for the things Holy Spirit reveals to us. Whether it comes through gentle promptings, a still small voice, or confirmations from a message or other person, we are responsible for what Holy Spirit reveals to us.

When we know what to do, God expects us to do it. When we chose not to do the right thing it is sin. To the level of our revelation, we are responsible. He wants us to be doers of the Word, both logos (written) and rhema (an utterance) and will hold us to what we know.