The Sin of Doing Nothing

“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (James 4:17).

The meaning of this passage is clarified and enforced by some of Jesus’ wonderful lessons.

THE GOOD SAMARITAN (Luke 10:25-37). The sin of the priest and Levite was that of passing by on the other side. The Samaritan commends himself to us because of his compassion and kindness - love in action.

THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS (Luke 16:19-31). The fault of the rich man consisted not in cruelty but in neglect to minister to the man who had been “laid at his gate.” He did not do the good that was in his power to do (Proverbs 3:27).

THE TEN VIRGINS (Matthew 25:1-13). Though listed among the friends of the bridegroom, the five foolish virgins were barred because they had not prepared themselves for the occasion. The person who does not prepare his heart and life, in harmony with divine direction, will be confined to the darkness of the outside.

THE TALENTS (Matthew 25:14-30). The third servant was not a criminal. He had not been wasteful. He had buried (preserved) that which had been given to him. His sin was the failure to put into circulation the sum that had been entrusted to him.

THE SHEEP AND THE GOATS (Matthew 25:31-46). The people on the right side of the throne were blessed because of the deeds of love they had done; the people on the left were lost because they had not rendered service. No man should entertain the idea that the Lord will bless him merely because he does no evil. Positive goodness, as well as negative, is divinely required.

- Frank L. Cox