by Leota Stevens

To me, the most striking line in this passage of scripture is the last verse. I have sinned against God many times in my life by willful acts of stubborn resistance. I am not proud of that fact. I am thankful for having been offered merciful forgiveness for those sins, and I strive not to repeat them. However, I find it so much easier to justify my sin when it comes to this particular category. If I should lie, steal, or cheat, that is clearly sin and it’s hard to rationalize my disobedience because it is out in the open for all to see. Knowing to do good and not doing it falls into a less conspicuous category of which others may never be aware. This is really where the rubber meets the road spiritually. If the only accountability for our actions, or lack thereof, is to the still small voice of the Spirit within us, who will know if we ignore that voice? We will. God doesn’t prompt us to action for no reason. The desired outcome of our obedience is circumvented and blessings are lost when we know to do good and refuse to do it.