The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. –1 Timothy 5:24
Paul made this small but vivid remark at the end of a letter to his younger friend, Timothy. The wisdom has stuck in my mind.
Sin on the Flashing Sign
There are some obvious sins. The kind with far-reaching, immediately obvious consequences. These are sins that run on ahead of us. They holler on up ahead to our kids “don’t copy Mom in this!” and warn off our friends “you know how she is.”
We don’t have to look back to see their havoc; instead we have to ask for grace and offer apologies before anyone even gets a word in. Obvious sins mark our paths like flashing signs on the highway. Very few overlook them, including us.
Example: If you knew me before or around the time I became Christ’s, you know I loved to cheat. Any game. Any contest, any debate. It was never a surprise when friends weren’t interested in playing with me- my obvious sin proceeded me, turning away prospects for fun because I had a reputation.
Sin on the Mile Markers
But then there are other sins, the sort Paul says “trail behind” us. We pass on by these signs like mile markers along the road, taking them for granted as “just the way we are.” We may glance at them as helpful hints, but we rarely realize their impact until we’ve got a trail of them behind us.
These are the kinds of sins we only recognize when the distance is crossed and the damage is done. They are subtle, normalized, and even seem harmless.
Example: Early in our marriage, I frequently commented on my husband’s prayers. It never occurred to me I may be sinning by commentary. But, my comments were quiet criticisms and subtle opinions. Looking back, I can see that now and understand why for a time his prayers became formal and curt. That regular sin slowly put miles between us without my seeing it.
Making Up The Mileage
Like it or not, we’re going to live with sins that flash glaringly before us- and sins that take us by surprise when we see how they’ve subtly created consequences.
Thanks be to God whose grace is sufficient to make up for the sins that go before us and behind us. Click To TweetAs we navigate life with our obvious baggage and the stuff we drag behind us, we are given this charge alongside Timothy:
“But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called.” –1 Timothy 6:11-12
- Flee the sin
- Turn toward God
- Press on the pedal
- Hold that steering wheel and drive in line with His directions
Someday, the flashing lights will be out of sight. Then, as Ruth Bell Graham’s gravestone announces: “End of construction- thank you for your patience.”
Someday, the mile markers trailing behind will be left in the dust as we finally arrive, perfected in Christ.
Until then, we press on after our Lord and trust that He can make good out of our meandering miles.
{A previous version of this post can be found here}
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I love the Ruth Graham’s gravestone. Such a powerful reminder for us all. May we keep pressing forward, trusting God to work in our lives, and perfect us in and through Christ.
I love it too! Yes, let’s keep pressing on!
“instead we have to ask for grace and offer apologies”
weird how this is coming up the month that marks 9 years since you’ve seen or spoken to your family.
I don’t remember ever reading that scripture, Bethany. Though I’m sure I have. Great warning to ask God to protect us from hidden sins.
It’s one I’ve easily overlooked! Glad to share in it today as we ask God’s help!
I didn’t know that saying was on Ruth Graham’s gravestone. I love it!
How we need to frequently ask God to search our hearts and show us the sins we miss or overlook. I’m thankful as well that His grace is sufficient for great or small, obvious or subtle sins.
So grateful with you for His sufficient grace!
Thank you for sharing this. Awareness is so important. When we realize not all sins are glaring and obvious, we can be on the lookout for the more subtle ones!
Thanks for joining in! Awareness is definitely important.
I don’t recall ever hearing that translation of this verse. So interesting. And I love the words on Graham’s tombstone!
It’s the NIV, believe it or not! Definitely interesting! Thanks for joining in today!
Where’s would we be without grace? Perfect timing on this topic given recent revelation of misconduct at CT…
So grateful for His grace. I hadn’t hear about the CT revelation, I’ll go check it out.
What a great post with much insight, Bethany. The NIV of 1 Timothy 5:24 is definitely eye-opening. Love your analogies and 4 points at the end. I’m not sure who this is credited to, but I’ve always remembered it summarized like this:
Sin always keeps you longer than you wanted to stay, takes you farther than you wanted to go, and cost you more than you were willing to pay.
Love that quote, Karen! Thank you! I’ve heard it in a Casting Crowns song but they may have borrowed it from someone too.
Your post made me think of a book by Jerry Bridges, Respectable Sins. As you said, they can be so subtle and gradually normalized so they don’t seem so bad, until they are.