Small Sins

“Whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at one point, he has become guilty of all” (James 2:10).  I have read or heard various explanations about how just one sin, or a small sin, makes us guilty before God.  Jonathan Edwards addressed this subject often in his sermons and various writings.  His basic thought was that even one sin merits eternal condemnation because of the majesty of the one sinned against.  Thomas Case wrote that we deceive ourselves if we think that small sins can do no great harm.  His explanation of this is another wonderful example of the unmatched spiritual brilliance that shines throughout the works of the Puritans.  I had never thought about small sins in the way Case did.  I think it was his radical God-centeredness that enabled him to view this subject from a unique perspective.  He wrote “The least sin yet has the nature of sin in it, as the least drop of poison is poison.  A small sin shows a greater contempt of God since we dishonour him for an insignificant thing (as we count it), and venture his displeasure for a little sensual satisfaction.”  What a joy it is to read books that display such clarity and understanding.  Thank you, Lord!