Is there a risk of second hand sin? We have all heard about the affects of second hand smoke where non smokers face health risks by exposure to cigarettes by smokers. Not only are there cases to be made for general health but there are also issues with the lingering odors and eye irritation that comes from a smoky room.
My question is can we make some parallel arguments for the case of second hand sin? Sin does not exist without temptation and temptation to sin comes from the powers of Satan. By accepting sin in you life you accept Satan's power to follow you. The presence of evil will follow you into school, work, church and home until you banish it with the power of God's grace and forgiveness. But what damage can that presence do to those you come in contact with?
I was reading Frank E. Peretti where he explores spiritual warfare and puts them in novel form. In his books the battles with demonic forces are revealed by interaction with the demons and angelic host. The books are fairly dark but it got me to think about who exactly we are fighting against. I remembered Ephesians 6 where the real enemy is exposed:
12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
I have sin in my life, we all do and if you are a growing Christian you fight daily and often to put the old life behind you. But we all experience and sometimes fall to the temptations around us. For some it is the flesh, for others idolatry and the list goes on.
What happens when I know I have sinned against God is that I feel dirty and separated from fellowship with Him. I feel isolated and unprotected and until I can reconcile this and truly repent I just feel miserable. But I know there are side affects that my family experiences too. I am a bit grumpy and depressed and I know that they feel this.
To look at this from another angle; if a restaurant offered Sin or No Sin along with Smoking or No Smoking which area would you prefer to eat in.
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