Common-Sense Christianity: A Study of Jamesნიმუში

Sin is common, but avoiding it is common sense

In Romans 3:23 ESV, Paul reminds us that, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” But how we handle that truth makes all the difference. Knowing we all sin can lead us to live more carefully and obediently because we recognize our fallen natures. We can also excuse our sins and disregard them as a normal part of life.

James asked, “What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes” (James 4:14 ESV). If all we focus on is the mist—what’s temporary—we’ll make temporary choices. But when we live with eternity in mind, even ordinary moments can hold lasting value.

James also offered a clear definition of sin: “Whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin” (James 4:17 ESV). God gives us his word, his Spirit, and the example of Jesus to help us live rightly, but we still have to choose.

When we invest more in our comfort than in our calling, James warns that even our blessings can become burdens. “You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter” (James 5:5 ESV). That’s a graphic image of wasted opportunity.

But here's the good news: God’s grace is greater than our failures. We won’t avoid every sin, but we can avoid far more than we do when we live with God’s wisdom and perspective.

Living for the mist just doesn’t make sense. Let’s live for the ocean of blessing God has waiting.