Besetting Sins

"And some tax collectors also came to be baptized (by John, the Baptist), and they said to him, 'Teacher, what shall we do?' And he said to them, 'Collect no more than what you have been ordered to.' Some soldiers were questioning him, saying, 'And what about us, what shall we do?' And he said to them, 'Do not take money from anyone by force, or accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages'" (Luke 3:12-14).

Every occupation has besetting sins, or so it seems: Tax collectors can become extortionists; soldiers can use their power to harass and oppress others; lawyers can become hard-nosed and heartless, doctors can become haughty; social workers can hate the ingrates they try to serve; politicians can use their office for personal gain; pastors can seek prominence and power.

It's good for all of us to take inventory now and then. What are the temptations to sin that inhere in my calling? "Teacher, what about me? What shall I do?"

Examine me, O God, and know my heart;

Try me and know the thoughts that obsess (burn in) me;

Reveal the behavior in me that causes pain to others,

And help me to act in ways that have eternal significance (Psalm 139:33).

David Roper

2.12.19