The Irrationality of Sin

Another political scandal broke today.  This one featured Eliot Spitzer, the Governor of New York, who, after making his name as crusading Attorney General, pursuing the powerful brokers of Wall Street, has now been accused of involvement in prostitution.

I’m not going to focus on Spitzer’s story, but look more at what his failing says about the lack of sense our sin makes.  Spitzer made his reputation by  prosecuting lawbreakers, while he was breaking the law himself.  Many people in the media will be asking why this happened.  How could someone who was so successful decide to do something that, if revealed, would destroy the very reputation he built his success upon?

The answer is that sin lies to all of us.  It promises satisfaction, and lies about the possibility of getting caught.  We ignore the rational point that if we continue down the path of evil, it will not end well.   Galatians 6:7 is a great verse to remember when tempted: “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.”  It is easy to look down upon those like Mr. Sptizer, who have been publicly exposed.  However, we can expect no better if we continue to sow to sin.  In the end, sin does not make sense, and we pursue it to our own destruction.

Whenever we are tempted to sin, we need to remember that the consequences we may reap can ruin us.  Otherwise, we may look back at our lives, and realize that we have ruined our reputation, relationships, or our communion with God, all for something that end the end, didn’t even come close to satisfying our souls.