Little White Lie

“For I was alive without the law once, but when the law came, sin revived, and I died.” (Romans 7:9)

The apostle Paul is not referring to physical death. Adam and Eve were pure and innocent and would have lived forever, walking and talking with God. But they chose to disobey God’s instructions—one wrong choice. In that instant, their physical bodies began to die. More importantly, they died spiritually; their disobedience—sin—severed perfect harmony with God.

There is no such thing as a “little white lie,” although we sometimes live as if they exist. No matter the size, lying is sinful and dark, not white, no matter who spoke it or the reason (James 2:10). If you think God will spare a loved one or friend separation from His presence because of their innocence, age, or circumstances, you’re mistaken. When He first made them aware of a wrong in their life, “the power of sin came to life;” they died spiritually. Harmony with God no longer existed; death and hell awaited, separated from Him. God wouldn’t be fair, granting exceptions for sin in some situations like the “little white lie” or, as Paul’s example, to want something someone else owns (covet). God is righteous and impartial, holding all people mentally capable of knowing right from wrong, accountable for their actions and decisions.

Paul wanted to obey God but struggled with his sinful nature that disrupted his obedience. He asked who would free us from such a life dominated by sin and death and then thanked God, knowing the answer is Jesus Christ, our Lord (vs. 21–25), whose shed blood paid sin’s debt. We contend with the same issue today and must receive the gift God offers for everlasting life with Him. When you ask God to forgive you of your sins and invite Jesus into your life, you are born again; brought back into harmony with your Creator who loves you. Though the sin struggle still exists, you now have the Father, His Son, and the Holy Spirit living in you, helping you live victoriously. As we celebrate Jesus’ birth, thank God that He sent His Son to seek and save this lost and dying world (Luke 19:10).