Why is sin so bad? There are some sins that only effect you, and you only harm yourself. So why is it bad? I think sin has been greatly misrepresented as something less than it is. We think of sin as breaking a law, white lies, and hurting someone's feelings.
Unfortunately sin is more than that. Whether we are willing to admit it or not, here are some of the things that your sin says.
What I want to do is more important than my relationship with you, God. My way is superior. You don't know what's best for me. I am in control, and I am on the throne of my life. I will listen to your advice when I need it. You are insufficient. You are not king. I am God. I know more about how to live than you. I will find more joy in this sin than I could find in you. I am bigger, better, stronger, smarter, wiser, and I can see the full effect that my sin will have. I would like to take advantage of your grace, and your son's death is merely a card I can play when I need help. Your son died for nothing. He didn't raise, because I would rather celebrate my life than his.
Maybe you are thinking these are causal fallacies, and that may be true depending on your situation. Our sin is an open act of rebellion, a prideful defiance of God's lordship. Our sin effects God (Eph. 4:30 (among many others)). Thankfully Jesus has defeated sin. We no longer have an excuse to sin, but thanks be to God we no longer have an accuser either. Grace covers over our foolishness and rebellion. Let's not take that for granted.
