IMPACT OF SIN
Sin is the product of disobeying God. Everytime we do something that goes against God we sin. It is of a higher order than when we disobey our earthy parents. The act of sinning separates us from God for he is holy and righteous and cannot be in the presence of sin.
What is a sin? What constitute disobedience? I am unable to cover this broad spectrum but sufficient for me to say here that if you have an openness and willingness to learn, the Bible will teach you more. If you have heard of the Ten Commandments, they are a condensation of the major areas of what constitute sinning against God. Found in the Book of Deuteronomy chapter 5, it can be briefly expressed as follows:
You shall have no other gods before me. (God clearly says that he wants full obedience to him and nothing else on earth must distract that attention from him. You can enjoy all things but none may become obsessive that God takes second place.)
You shall not worship any engraved images or idols. (God made no bones over the fact that he is jealous of competition. He says clearly that he wants your full devotion and attention. He promised to love you and pour out his rich blessings if you would be devoted to him.)
You shall not use his name in vain. (God is upset if you use his name carelessly for his name is holy.)
Observe the rest day and keep it holy. (God instituted a day of rest after creating for six days. God blessed and made this rest day special and unique. Rest is to regenerate and appreciate. The rest day that God instituted is to worship him and appreciate the bountiful blessings he give to his children. Those who will not rest fail to take a break to enjoy God and give thanks.)
Honor your father and mother. (God instituted the family and demanded respect to be given to the parents so that in turn you may be respected by your children. The family unit is the very foundation of a strong social order that many communities miss today. This commandment is a timely reminder that we have violated this commandment.)
You shall not kill. (God is the creator and taker of life. Justice belongs to him and this commandment reminds us of our equality before him.)
You shall not commit adultery. (In spite of our advancements, sexual impropriety stands out as a major weakness of man and women. Make no mistake, God hates adulterous relationships.)
You shall not steal. (The scope of stealing is very broad, covering anything that you take which you don't own and of whatever size and value.)
You shall not bear false witness (i.e. lie) against our neighbors. (We lie often to get out of a situation that embarass us or to avoid being caught doing wrong. When we do this against our neighbors, we deliberately upset our relationship that can destroy a healthy neighborhood.)
You shall not covet your neighbor's wife. (Lust is a sin of the eyes and the minds to deliver sensual pleasures. It can destroy relationships between husbands and wives and bring misery to the children. Our coveteousness suggests that we are not satisfied with what we already have but want objects that belongs to others. Have you lusted? God wants you to stop this unhealthy and unwholesome habit.
Sinning destroys our value system. All the good that we are taught at home and in schools are easily undone when we fall into bad company, engage in bad habits and becomes addicted to sinful acts. When we sin, we lose control of our good self and gets drawn into practices we hate. Sinning can leave us in a state of helplessness. Like a drug, we pine for it and returns for more, even though we know that it is wrong. If you know that you are a habitual sinner, that you want out but need help, go read a Bible or speak to a preacher or a counselor.
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