Most children have learned to say, “I didn’t do it.” Parents learn to do a little digging before accepting that answer. Likely the child in question did not do it. Did they egg it on? Were they in on the planning? Adults may chuckle, especially those who are not parents of the child in question, but are we any different?
We can become an accomplice to sin through the counsel we give. Balaam taught Balak how to get God to curse his people, Israel (Numbers 31:16). Some in the church in Pergamos did the same (Revelation 2:14). Jude warned of false teachers, saying, “Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah” (verse 11). Paul avoided being an accomplice by counsel when he preached all of God’s word (Acts 20:27).
Others become accomplices to sin by consent. The singer of Israel depicted this problem, writing of God’s people, “When you see a thief, you are pleased with him, And you associate with adulterers” (Psalm 50:18 NASB). This problem existed in the first century. Paul declared, “who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them” (Romans 1:32). John warned his children in the faith not to receive false teachers for that very reason (2 John 10-11). Paul’s remedy was for Timothy to preach the word (2 Timothy 4:1-2).
The people of this age are inclined to become accomplices to sin through compromise. Elijah wanted the people to choose a side (1 Kings 18:21). The wise man urged his son to buy the truth and not sell it (Proverbs 23:23). Those who would please God cannot seek to please men (Galatians 1:10). Jesus proclaimed, “He who is not with Me is against Me” (Matthew 12:30).
Hold tightly to God’s word to avoid being an accomplice to sin. Unashamedly take Jesus’ side to be sure you are in the right.
Gary C. Hampton