Euphemisms for Sin

1.) “God knows my heart.”- This is the underlying current of not only the lost in today’s culture, but also within the Christian community. The reality that God knows “our heart” seems to be a viable excuse for doing certain things that would otherwise be classified as sin. For example, “I know there is Bible Study tonight but I’m not going because I have too much to do. I know I need to go, but God knows that in my heart I’d like to be there.” The thought that any presence of desire to do the right thing becomes an excuse to not do the right thing. The problem with “God knows my heart” is that if your heart truly had a desire to obey God then you would do it. The reality of God knowing our heart should not elevate the permission to opt out of obedience but elevate a fear of disobeying Him.

2.) “I’m not hurting anyone.”- ______ may be bad, but I’m not hurting anyone. You can fill in x, y, and z in that blank, but regardless people find some instance to use this euphemism. Peace is a wonderful thing, and all Christians should be fully aware of the peace in Christ and live lives of peace. However, the promotion of peace today has become a rhetoric that’s rooted in doing what makes you happy without hurting anyone. Although, there will come a day when total external peace will fully exist and flourish in the realm of eternity. Internal peace exists within the heart that has been born again. That peace is disrupted when sin is committed whether it’s against someone else or not. David knew the reality of which his sin was directed: “Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight:” (Psalm 51:4a). Of course, David’s sin at this point did in fact affect others, but he knew his sin was against God. In verse 3 he says, “my sin is ever before me.” In verse 12 he says, “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.” Sin disrupted David’s peace and joy. More than just an internal disruption of peace, James says, “Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” (James 1:15) We’re all sinners and without Christ we will drink into our own damnation. Furthermore, this euphemism is invalid because sin does hurt others. Disobedience to God will not edify yourself or anyone around you.

3.) “I’m not actually doing it.”- With the strong presence of pornography escalating itself at an ever-increasing rate, this euphemism is more and more common. You can satisfy your imaginations to have premarital sex or cheat on your spouse without “actually doing it”. I feel the church has truly taken a blind eye to the issue of pornography and sneered at its influence. Many ask, “wouldn’t it be better to do this than actually doing the act itself?” Our bodies belong totally to God. We are to please Him in our mind, heart, and activity. What is within the man expresses itself outwardly. It is clear that in the days of Noah God was fully aware of mankind that “every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” (Genesis 6:5b) In The Sermon on the Mount, Jesus elevates the audience’s understanding of the law. “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” (Matthew 5:27-28) Sin is even exercised in the process of our imaginations. Jesus’ teachings clearly reject the euphemism of “I’m not actually doing it.”

It is so important that we call sin what it truly is because it is what God has said. The ultimate Christian progress is to walk in the newness of life and be totally conformed to Christ. We pursue a life of Holiness that totally reflects our Lord Jesus Christ. Grace has not permitted sin that grace may abound, but rather has given us the liberty to obey Christ. Secondly, the knowledge of sin and the church’s unwavering stance plays a vital role in the winning of lost souls as we urge all to repent and trust alone in Christ.

Works Cited

The Holy Bible The Authorized King James Version. R.L. Allan and Son Publishers .