✟ To Know and Not Do: The Sin of Inaction

We live in a time when knowledge is abundant. Bibles are easily accessible, devotionals are everywhere, and sermons stream daily into our homes. Yet despite this wealth of information, there remains a dangerous gap—a gap between knowing what is right and actually doing it.

Many Christians sincerely believe they are walking in faith because they know the Word. But Scripture makes it clear: knowledge without action is not enough. The Apostle James warns us plainly in James 4:17:

“Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.”

This is not a verse meant to be glossed over. It is a divine spotlight shining on the sin of omission—the sin of seeing what needs to be done and choosing to do nothing. It is not enough to simply be a good Christian. One must act as a good Christian.

James writes to believers who were already struggling with double-mindedness and spiritual complacency. They spoke of faith but failed to live it out. And so James confronts them—and us—with truth: when we are aware of what is good, right, and godly, and we choose not to do it, we sin.

This goes beyond wrongdoing. This is the refusal to do right.

We often think of sin as committing evil acts, but James teaches that sin also lives in our reluctance to act. When God opens a door for kindness, compassion, forgiveness, or generosity—and we close it—we commit a silent rebellion.

James reinforces this truth earlier in his letter:

“But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.” — James 1:22 (NLT)

God is not interested in passive faith. He calls for active obedience. It is not the hearing alone, but the doing, that marks a faithful disciple.

Jesus tells a parable in Luke 10:30–37 that masterfully illustrates the message of James 4:17. In the story, a man is attacked by bandits and left half-dead along the road.

“By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side.” — Luke 10:31–32 (NLT)

These two religious figures, men who knew the Law, saw the need—but took no action. They weren’t guilty of striking the man—but they were guilty of doing nothing to help.

Then a Samaritan—a cultural outcast to the Jews—comes along:

“When he saw the man, he felt compassion for him.” — Luke 10:33 (NLT)

“Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds… put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn…” — Luke 10:34 (NLT)

Jesus concludes with a question:

“Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man…?”

The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.”

Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.” — Luke 10:36–37 (NLT)

This parable is not just a story—it is a mirror. How many times have we walked by someone in need, offered polite words, and moved on? We know what is right. But we fail to do it.

Doing nothing may feel safer. It may be easier. But it is not righteousness. It is sin.

When we ignore the prompting of the Holy Spirit to encourage someone, to give, to serve, or to speak truth in love—we are not choosing neutrality. We are choosing disobedience.

The world is watching how Christians act. Our witness is not defined by how many verses we quote or how often we attend services. It is defined by what we do when we see someone hurting, hungry, or lost.

“If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?” — 1 John 3:17 (NLT)

It is time for each of us to examine our lives: What good have I failed to do? Who have I walked past? What have I ignored because it felt inconvenient?

God is not asking us to do everything, but He is asking us to do something. One act of obedience can change a life.

Paul reminds us:

“Let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone…” — Galatians 6:9–10 (NLT)

Be a Christian of action. Be a neighbor. Be the Samaritan in a world full of passersby.

We do not stand before God ignorant of what is good. His Word is clear. His example in Christ Jesus is vivid. His Spirit prompts our hearts.

So now we must choose. Will we be hearers only—or doers of the Word? Will we know what is good—and do it?

Let us no longer be satisfied with being informed. Let us be transformed—and let that transformation take shape in action.

I encourage you to pause and reflect: What act of goodness have you delayed? Who needs your compassion today? What have you been putting off that God has clearly asked you to do?

Start now. Be the one who does what is right—not merely one who knows it.

And as you take steps of faith, remember those in your community who need help. Reach out to a struggling family. Volunteer your time. And consider making a donation to your local food pantry or ministry. When we give in love, we live out the Gospel.

For the Lord Himself said in Matthew 25:45 (NLT):

“I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.”

So, I say to you, “May the Lord strengthen your faith and use it for His glory, as you walk humbly in His presence.”