I don’t know if it is fair to categorize some sins above others, however, I do think it is beneficial to dialogue concerning the affect sin has on individuals as well as our society.
The concept of the seven deadly sins, also known as the cardinal sins or capital vices, is a part of early Roman Catholic doctrine that divided sin into two principal categories: "venial," which are relatively minor, and “mortal,” which are more serious in nature in terms of action and judgment.
Although I do believe that there are particular infractions that can be flagged as toxic regarding the human condition – I am fully aware, as I have worked with people for over two decades that any sin can be as bad as the next depending on its influence with a particular person.
But if there is one vice that I have seen as a constant thread throughout my years of observance it would be selfishness (pride, arrogance, self-centeredness, etc.). It appears, at least to me that selfishness is the seed of all sin; murder, robbery, lying, cheating, road rage, child abuse, embezzlement, discrimination, hatred and the list goes on. They all have something to do with selfishness. And because of its stealth quality, selfishness lies below the surface and root of wrong doing.
Arrogance on a national level will lead to bad decisions, economic missteps, wars and the end of precious lives. It seems that when self-centeredness is prevalent and prevailing, care and concern for others is waned.
Motivation from the ego is not only blinding but dangerous. People who are too proud for their own good will miss providing the level of attention and nurture needed for a wholesome environment. Although many are aware of it, they seldom realize selfishness as the source of their problem.
The blindness of a “high-riding” pride certainly has consequences that will affect generations to come. Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
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