Adultery. Theft. Murder.
These are the forbidden sins, the first on the list of what Christians are not permitted to do. Other obvious sins include blasphemy, profanity, using the Lord’s name in vain, sexual sin, and causing harm to others.
But what about those other sins, the ones that either take place behind closed doors or are so commonplace that we don’t even realize we’re sinning? We do many of these things on a daily basis yet they usually don’t cause fellow believers to correct us or question our salvation.
These are the sins we can’t help but commit. The sins no one makes us feel bad about. These are the sins of the heart.
So here are some examples of sins that often float under the radar in our everyday lives. But as you read, don’t let this list weigh you down. These sins are rooted deeply in our fallen hearts, but Christ died for our sins and we have the Spirit at work within us. Confess them to Him and pray for the Spirit to change the things you cannot change on your own.
- GLUTTONY
Gluttony doesn’t just refer to someone who eats uncontrollably. A glutton is a person who consumes without thought of ration or self-control. But why is it a sin? Why does Christ want us to keep from over-eating and over-drinking and over-anything? Because we all have a deep hole inside that needs to be filled, and no matter how hard we try, we cannot fill it with anything in this world. There is only one thing that can satisfy our endless cravings: a loving relationship with our Savior. Jesus is the living water that will not run dry and the bread of life that will not run out. Instead of mindlessly turning to food and drink, turn to Jesus and feast on Him.
Jesus answered and said to her,
“Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.”(John
- GREED
This may be the sin Jesus spoke against the most. Like gluttony, greed is the constant desire to have something more—and that’s a misdirected craving. First of all, as believers in Christ, we need to remember that this world is not our home. Whatever we think we own, we will not be able to take with us into the life to come. Turn your focus away from earthly ambitions and possessions and focus more on the abundant riches you have in Christ and on your future great inheritance.
Then He said to them,
“Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.”(Luke 12:15)
- DISCONTENT
As human beings, we complain a lot. The Bible tells us that we should do everything without complaining yet we continue to grumble about even the little things in life. What should we do? Unlike the Israelites who complained to Moses in the desert, followers of Christ must look to the One who never complained. Just as Jesus was content with all things, so we can be content with the life and situations God has graciously given us. Trust that your life is in His hands and that He is working all things together for good.
He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:32)
- PRIDE
You can find pride at the root of all kinds of sin, for it is pride that makes us believe that we are better than our Creator. Pride is what led Adam and Eve to eat the forbidden fruit, and pride is what allows all of us to think we know what’s best for ourselves. In the western world, society is built upon humanity’s ability to promote our own achievements and say, “Look what I just did.” But if we focus on our selves and our own abilities, we leave no room for God. Instead humble yourself before the Lord, put all your hope and trust in Christ, and give Him all the glory.
In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God. (Psalm 10:4)
- ENVY
Have you ever looked at something and said, “I want that?” Of course you have. We’ve all coveted some material possession that was out of our reach. But often this envy leads us to despise our neighbors for the life they have. Whether it’s a car, a house, a job, or a relationship, an envious life is not the life we’ve been called to in Jesus. Instead, be content and enjoy the blessings that the Lord has given to you, and ask the Spirit to give you love for your neighbor.
For you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way? (1 Corinthians 3:3)
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