By Shephard Victor
There’s a subtle deception that the enemy often whispers into our hearts: that sin is merely a mistake, something casual, harmless, or even relative. This lie fosters the illusion that some people are “milder sinners” than others, encouraging comparison and self-justification.
Have you ever thought, “Well, at least I’m not as bad as my friends”? Perhaps you’ve comforted yourself with thoughts like, “I only struggle with lying, not like others who fornicate, steal, or get angry easily.” If that’s you, you’ve believed a lie. Sin is not graded by how socially acceptable it is. You’re not “better” just because your flaws appear more tolerable to others.
The Bible is clear: “The works of the flesh are evident…” (Galatians 5:19–21), and they include a wide spectrum, from sexual immorality and idolatry to jealousy, strife, fits of rage, and dissension. The same spirit of rebellion fuels them all. When you transgress in one part of God’s law, you are guilty of breaking it entirely (James 2:10).
What may seem like a harmless “weakness”, like a lack of sexual restraint, is often a doorway to a deeper spiritual crisis. Sexual looseness, for instance, doesn’t stand alone. It often ushers in impurity and sensuality, loosening the grip of self-control and elevating your desires above God’s will.
Slowly, your appetites become your god (Philippians 3:19), and before long, impatience, anger, guilt, self-hatred, sadness, jealousy, and even confusion begin to fester in the soul. Resistance to correction becomes common, and factions or inner conflict may follow.
What you think is just a “minor struggle” may in fact be a web of sin taking root in your heart. And rather than brushing it off or comparing yourself favorably to others, the only right response is to run to the cross of Christ.
So the next time you’re tempted to downplay your sin by comparing it with someone else’s, pause. Examine yourself, not by cultural standards, but by the Word of God. For all sin is rebellion against a holy God, and every sinner mild or extreme, desperately needs grace, mercy, and transformation through Jesus Christ.
More Blessings!