Is Doing NOTHING a Sin?

James says that it is: “Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4:17).  This is called “omission”.

Omission is a failure to take an action on something that we know we “ought to do”. Omission involves not doing what is right or failing to do as instructed.

In the other hand, a sin of “commission”  involves the willful act of doing something that violates God’s commands, such as lying or stealing. Refusing to share Jesus with others, neglecting to care for those in need, and avoiding prayer are all examples of what we are supposed to do as instructed in the Word.

Both disobediences, and therefore sins. Omission is willful disobedience the same as commission.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus said that Christians are the “salt of the earth” and “light of the world.” “A city set on a hill cannot be hidden, nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:13-16).

Sins of omission can be motivated by fear, complacency, or pride. When we fail to love or share His love, we fail to be salt and light and so neglect our calling. Serving God involves serving others. The more we love God, the more our hearts align with His. John also reminds us that, “Whoever has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth” (1John 3:17-18).

Omission often leads to commission. If we don’t stand for what is right or do what is asked of us, our disobedience weakens our conviction and opens the door for further temptation to disobey.

An example of this is when King David remained in Jerusalem while his generals went off to war. This was a clear neglect (or omission) of David’s kingly duties. By not being with his men in a time of crisis, David was not where he was supposed to be. He was guilty of a sin of omission. Because of this, he exposed himself to temptation, which came in the form of lust. His lust for a married woman (Bathsheba) eventually led to adultery and later murder, multiple sins of commission (2 Sam 11). One small compromise leads to many.

We are commissioned to speak the truth (Eph 4:15), and proclaim our faith (1 Pet 3:15-16), even when it proves costly. Jesus said in Matthew’s gospel, “But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father, who is in heaven” (Mat 10:33).

Jesus said, “The one who has heard and has not acted accordingly is like a man who built a house on the ground without any foundation; and the torrent burst against it and immediately it collapsed, and the ruin of the house was great” (Lk 6:46, 48). Omission has CONSEQUENCES the same as wilful disobedience. Jesus also said that a loyal and obedient servant will be entrusted with more responsibility whereas an unfaithful servant will be given less (Lk 16:10).

We don’t realize that one of the greatest consequences of the sin of omission is missing out on the blessings and miracles of God.

When Jesus invited Peter to walk to Him on the waves, even though Peter eventually sank after taking his eyes off of Jesus, he had the courage and faith to get out of the boat to meet his Lord. We may condemn Peter for his lack of faith, but Peter experienced a miracle where the other disciples, in fear, stayed on the boat (Matthew 14).

When a rich man came to Jesus and asked what he was lacking, Jesus told the man to sell all of his possessions and follow Him. The man left sad because he owned a lot (Mat 19:20). The apostle Matthew however, (also a rich man) abandoned his job and leapt at the call to follow Jesus. Unlike the rich man, he reaped the benefits of an obedient life (Mat 9:9-13). Sins of omission deny us the blessings of obedience and leave our spiritual potential on the table. It causes us NOT to live in the inheritance given us by Jesus.

By the same token, while it saddens us to look at the world living in sin, we should equally be touched and saddened by all that potential left unattended. Jesus told His disciples, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). “And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments” (2 John 1:6).

God is looking for bold believers and passionate proclaimers to spread His Gospel and share His love (Ps 45:1). He will use and equip those willing to step out in obedience. Those who do, will truly live the life God has called them to and know Him better as a result.

LET’S BE DOERS.