Alibis for Sin

“…they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” —2 Corinthians 10:12

Have you ever heard someone try to justify their behavior on the basis of how someone else acts?  For example, some Christians try to justify their use of tobacco because another Christian smokes. Have you ever heard something like this: “Well, ‘so-and-so’ is a Christian, and he drinks beer, therefore beer must be O.K”?  Another popular line is: “Rev. Slip Jaw uses the N.I.V., therefore it must be a good bible.”

These statements are made by people who use someone else’s mistakes to alibi for their own lack of fidelity to the Word of God.  Statements such as, “Some of the finest Christians I know drink wine,” means absolutely NOTHING. It could also be said, “Some of finest saints in the Old Testament committed adultery and murder (David and Moses).”  Does that make adultery and murder right?  Obviously NOT!  To attempt to justify gambling because someone else does gambles is no different than seeking to justify getting drunk because another saint got drunk (Noah).

Our conduct should NEVER be determined by what someone else does (or does not do). Nor should our doctrine be based upon a subjective experience. What we believe and how we behave must be governed ONLY by the Word of God (1 Tim. 3:14-15; 2 Tim. 3:16-17).

“Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.” —Psalm 119:133