Post
99
Go
and sin no more … ???
Once again, my mind returns to a recent bible study
series on passages that are commonly quoted - but are often either
misunderstood or possibly misrepresented.
The above instruction by Jesus, stated in the eighth chapter of the
Gospel of John, is a frequent admonition in some religious circles. Jesus had just saved a woman from a stoning
death sentence, presumably because of adulterous behavior. The proposed executioners brought the woman
to Jesus and sought his opinion as to whether the Law of Moses should be,
accordingly, carried out. Jesus replied,
“He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” (John 8:7, NKJV) One by one, the people left; and there was no
one to condemn her. Jesus then said to
her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” (John 8:11, NKJV)
There
are many opinions about this passage – and questions: were the potential executioners just testing
Jesus as to His willingness to follow the Mosaic Law? how would Roman Law be followed in this
scenario … juxtaposed upon a subjugated people’s ancient law? how, indeed, did the mob of executioners
actually witness the claimed act of adultery?
Then the most
challenging question arises from verse 11:
go and sin no more. How does one never sin – period! ?? Is it
possible to be perfect, thereafter?
Frankly, when this admonition comes to mind along
with the enormity that sin can be,
potentially, in the form of thought, word, and/or deed, I balk. I know I strive not to sin … however, given human nature, yes, it is easy – and
certainly possible – to fail in this quest.
We will sin … and God does
forgive as we repent.
Recently though, a new realization on
go-and-sin-no-more was brought to my attention.
A person, eighteen years abstinent from smoking, relapsed ... and it’s
been more than a year now. Old
associations, habits, routines, and a sense of normalcy have set in. Although thoughts of quitting are being entertained,
the difficulties in breaking re-established patterns and fears of withdrawal
are daunting and hard to face. Suddenly,
one afternoon, a revelation came: Jesus
was saying to the woman (in John 8:11) go
and sin no more … because (and here is the revelation) if you do return to your old ways, you will face even greater difficulties trying to break from and leave – yet again - this harmful way of living
(i.e., particularly, the sin from which I have saved you from death).
How true it is … relapse can happen … and when it does, quite often it returns with vengeance. Another person - an ex-three-pack-a-day
smoker – shared that if he ever relapsed, he would undoubtedly start back on four packs per day!From the Gamblers Anonymous (Yellow Combo Book), the question of returning to gamble (after abstinence) is asked: “Can a compulsive gambler ever gamble normally again?” Here is the GA answer: “When it comes to gambling, we have known many compulsive gamblers who could abstain for long stretches, but caught off guard and under the right set of circumstances, they started gambling without thought of consequences … some of our members have tried some small bet experimentation, always with disastrous results. The old obsession inevitably returned. Our Gamblers Anonymous experience seems to point to these alternatives: To gamble, risking progressive deterioration or not to gamble, and develop a better way of life.”
In closing, I say an AMEN! to the following good news from GA:
Most
of us feel that a belief in a Power
greater than ourselves is necessary in order for us to sustain a desire to
refrain from gambling.
Once more, the GOOD NEWS is that there is recovery
in addiction – and yes, even in relapse!
Blessings,
Rev. Janet Jacobs, CCGSO
Founding Director
Gambling Recovery Ministries
For more information on problem gambling and recovery, visit:
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