If I Were to Sin

John said the Bible was written so that “you may not sin.”

But what if I were to sin?

If I were to sin, I would not want to have a god other than the Trinity or worship idols.
_ For I would become like the false god or the idol I worshipped._
_ I don’t want to be angry like Allah or blind like a Buddha._
_ (Psalm 115:1-8)_

If I were to sin, I would not want to use the Lord’s name wrongly.
_ He takes it personally and how could I hurt the One whose very name gives me salvation?_
_ (Exodus 20:7; Acts 4:12)_

If I were to sin, I would not want to forget the Sabbath Day.
_ I would miss too many blessings and ultimately forget the Lord Himself._
_ (Isaiah 58:13-14)_

If I were to sin, I would not dishonor my parents or even roll my eyes at them.
_ For that is to invite the birds of the valley to peck out those eyes._
_ (Proverbs 30:17)_

If I were to sin, I would not want to mess around with another man's wife.
_ For that would be like lighting a fire on my own breast – what pain!_
_ (Proverbs 6:27)_

If I were to sin, I would not hurt my brother or even just call him a fool.
_ Jesus said that last “little” sin is worthy of the fires of hell._
_ (Matthew 5:22)_

If I were to sin, I would not covet with my eyes or steal with my hands.
_ Those acts are to invite some serious plucking and cutting._
_ (Matthew 5:29-30)_

If I were to sin, I would not speak falsely of my neighbor.
_ The evil I intended for him would just come back on me._
_ (Proverbs 12:13)_

If I were to sin, I would not want to grow lazy.
_ For soon poverty would be my lot._
_ (Proverbs 20:4)_

If I were to sin, I would not pursue pleasure or fame or wealth.
_ Why come to the end of life crying out, “Vanity of vanities!”?_
_ (Ecclesiastes 12:8)_

If I were to sin, I would not run away from responsibility.
_ God will find me anyway, even at the bottom of the sea._
_ (Psalm 139:9-10; Jonah 1:15-17)_

If I were to sin, I would not whisper about it or text a friend.
_ Before too long my actions would be shouted from the rooftops and be on Twitter._
_ (Luke 12:3)_

If I were to sin, I would not even want it to be in my thoughts.
_ For those define who I am._
_ (Proverbs 23:7; Matthew 15:18-19)_

So I think I should listen to John and not sin.
_ But what if I were to sin?_

John goes on from the exhortation to the provision.
_ He also says I have a righteous Advocate._

If I were to sin,
_ Jesus will remind the Father:_
_ “I died for that sin.”_

And is it not that consequence of my sin
_ that is the greatest deterrent of all?_