When a Good Man Does Nothing

Is it a sin when someone knows the right thing to do and doesn’t do it? This very scenario goes all the way back to the beginning of time. God gives Adam some instructions on what he can and can't do in the Garden of Eden It's pretty basic, and very generous.

 Gen. 2:16-17 ESV And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die. 

Notice what God doesn't tell Adam. There is no warning or instruction over what is about to occur, the Temptation of Eve. Missing from the conversation between Adam and God is something like this: Hey Adam, one more thing. A week from Tuesday, about four in the afternoon, you and Eve are going to be down in the orchard and something dangerous is going to happen... Adam, are you listening? The eternal destiny of the human race hangs on this moment. Now, here's what I want you to do.......….. Let me ask you a question. Where is Adam, when the serpent is tempting Eve? He's standing right behind her. The bible tells us She gave some to her husband, who was with her. Then he ate it, too. This lack of action by Adam has impacted the history of all of mankind. You never know what impact your lack of action may have. Several years ago I was actively organizing a monthly gathering of men for breakfast and fellowship. Our former sheriff, Josh Esckerson, had been attending church services on a regular basis and I had been visiting with him. The Holy Spirit told me I should invite him to join us for men's breakfast. I procrastinated the prompting of the Holy Spirit and one short week afterwards he took his own life. Would this situation have had a different outcome if I had been obedient and followed the prompting of the Holy Spirit? I will never know. We are all guilty of being silent when we needed to do something, say something, or take a stand for what is morally right and just. A Christian who chooses to do nothing in the face of need or injustice commits the sin of omission, failing to live out their faith by neglecting the opportunity to show love and compassion. This I do know the bible says if you know the right thing to do and to fail to do it, you are sinning. God is God and He doesn’t need defending, however we are warned by Jesus. 

James 4:17 ESV So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. 

As followers of Christ, we are called to actively participate in the world, reflecting God's love through our actions, not just our words. Doing nothing can be just as devastating as doing the wrong thing, especially when we are in a position to speak up or offer support to those in need.

Matthew 10:32 ESV So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven.

When faced with a situation where you might consider doing nothing, ask yourself why. Are you truly unable to help, or are you simply avoiding responsibility? When unsure about how to respond, pray about your situation and seek God's wisdom and direction on how to act. Remember that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference. By choosing to act when faced with a need, we demonstrate our faith and live out the teachings of Jesus Christ. Your life may be the only bible some people every read. May we all listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and know when to act, and when to be silent!