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You know you have lived long years when you have first-hand experience of the different mores from different eras and people groups. Cultural influence is so pervasive. We as a people attempt to be politically correct and water down words, so as not to offend. Yet we skirt the issue of sin. For whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.¹

Samuel said, “What have you done?” And Saul said, “When I saw that the people were scattering from me, . . . So I forced myself, and offered burnt offering” (the task of a priest). Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the command of the LORD your God, . . .² When David sinned against Bathsheba he pleaded to God, Have mercy on me O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, . . .³

There is nothing more grievous than sin for it affects not only oneself but others as well. Let us consider 3 oppressive consequences to sin: First, sin brings shame; second, sin separates; third, sin strangles.

From the time that Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s command and sinned, it brought shame. Then the eyes of both were opened and they knew that they were naked. . . . And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves . . .⁴

But the LORD God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?”⁵ From then on there was a great chasm between God and man. The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the LORD regretted that he had made man . . .⁶ As the first king Saul made a rash vow and the people counseled, “Do whatever seems good to you.” But the priest said, “Let us draw near to God here.” And Saul inquired of God, . . . But he did not answer him that day.⁷

The iniquities of the wicked ensnares him, and he is held fast in the cords of his sin.⁸ Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a harmful spirit from the LORD tormented him. And Saul’s servants said to him, “Behold now, a harmful spirit from God is tormenting you.⁹ For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. . . . For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. . . . captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members.¹⁰

It is important that we realize and acknowledge our sinfulness; otherwise, we may be deluded into thinking that we have no need for a Savior. Be like David who humbly bowed before God and confessed his sins. God testifies about him as a man after God’s own heart, who will do all my will.¹¹

I spread out my hands all the day to a rebellious people, who walk in a way that is not good, following their own devices; . . . So that he who blesses himself in the land shall bless himself by the God of truth; . . . because the former troubles are forgotten and are hidden from my eyes.¹² God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.¹³ There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.¹⁴