We all know the big-time sins the Bible warns about, but what about those sneaky everyday habits that might be throwing off our spiritual vibes? Turns out, even things that seem harmless can fall under the “sin” category if our hearts aren’t in the right place. Here are some of the things that might not be so cool with God (though admittedly, some are a bit more lighthearted and silly).
1. Worrying all the time might be a bigger deal than you think.
We all worry — it’s natural. But the Bible tells us to toss those anxieties on God and trust that he’s got things covered. Constant worrying is basically saying, “Hey God, I don’t think you’re capable of handling my problems.” Yikes! It’s more about a lack of faith than the worry itself. Now, don’t feel guilty for getting stressed, but try to reframe those worries into prayers and trust that God’s got your back.
2. Comparing yourself to other people is a recipe for spiritual disaster.
Coveting your neighbor’s house, career, even their perfect Instagram life? That’s a commandment-level no-no! Focus on your own life, your own blessings. Comparison is the thief of joy, and it can make us ungrateful for what we already have. Gratitude is a total spiritual game-changer, so ditch the jealousy and focus on counting your blessings instead.
3. Gossip is basically spiritual poison.
Talking smack about someone, even if it’s true, isn’t just hurtful, it’s spiritually icky. The Bible teaches us to build others up, not tear them down. Think before you speak – would you say it to their face? If not, don’t say it at all. Plus, gossip has a way of coming back to bite you, Psychology Today points out. It’s better to break the rumor mill and focus on spreading kindness instead.
4. Holding onto grudges hurts you more than anyone else.
Anger? It happens. But letting it fester into a grudge is like taking poison and expecting the other person to get sick. Forgiveness, even when it’s hard, is a major key to spiritual peace. Note: this doesn’t mean rolling over and letting people mistreat you. It’s about releasing that toxic inner bitterness for your own well-being.
5. Mindlessly scrolling social media can be spiritually draining.
Okay, not all social media use is a sin, but it can become problematic. Endless scrolling, comparing your life to those curated online personas, even getting sucked into toxic online arguments… it steals time and messes with your spiritual equilibrium. Be intentional about your social media use! Set time limits, follow accounts that uplift you, and remember – most people only show the good stuff.
6. Procrastinating isn’t just about being lazy, it might be sinful.
The Bible promotes diligence and making the most of the time you’re given. When we chronically put things off, not only are we being less productive, but we might be neglecting gifts and talents God has given us to use. Of course, we all need downtime! But when procrastination becomes a pattern, it’s time to re-evaluate and maybe ask God for help getting motivated.
7. Complaining constantly? Yeah, that’s not a godly habit.
Life has its challenges, and venting is totally fine. But constant negativity becomes like a toxic cloud hanging over you. Gratitude is the antidote! Regularly focusing on even the small good things in life shifts your whole perspective and strengthens those spiritual contentment muscles. And when you do need to vent, try also brainstorming solutions to move forward.
8. Neglecting your physical health might be a spiritual issue too.
Our bodies are described in the Bible as temples, gifts from God! When we treat them like trash with terrible diets, no exercise, or risky substances, that’s a form of disrespect. Now, this isn’t about beating yourself up if you’re struggling. It’s about small steps. Choose the apple instead of chips, go for a walk. These physical choices affect your mental and spiritual health too!
9. Putting work or hobbies before your relationship with God is a spiritual red flag.
Work is important and hobbies are fun, but remember where your priorities should lie. Carving out time for prayer, scripture study, and spiritual reflection is key. If your plate is always too full for God, something needs to change. God desires that connection with us, and that spiritual nourishment feeds every other area of your life.
10. Ignoring those nudges from the Holy Spirit might be holding you back spiritually.
You know that little inner voice urging you to be kind to that difficult person, apologize when you’re wrong, or step into a volunteer role? That’s likely the Holy Spirit guiding you to grow. When we constantly brush those nudges aside, we miss out on opportunities to become better versions of ourselves and make a difference in the world.
11. White lies are still, well, lies.
We all slip up with those little fibs – “Love your new haircut!” when you really don’t – but even those seemingly harmless lies erode a bit of our integrity. Now, there are situations where nuance is needed (like not giving a burglar the location of your family’s hiding place). But, overall, aiming for honesty is a foundation for a spiritually healthy life.
12. Being obsessed with material possessions is a trap.
Wanting nice things is natural, but when our focus becomes all about acquiring more stuff, the Bible warns we’re missing the point. Material possessions don’t bring lasting happiness – relationships, serving others, and that connection with God are what truly matter. Be grateful for what you have, and don’t define yourself by what you own.
13. Getting swept up in worldly trends without thinking critically is spiritually risky.
The Bible cautions us about being “conformed to this world.” This isn’t about never having fun! But constantly chasing whatever’s popular, without examining if it aligns with your values, can lead to a watered-down faith. Take some time to think about what you truly believe, and let those convictions guide your choices.
14. Neglecting to care for those in need might be more serious than you think.
Showing kindness and compassion to the hurting is a major theme throughout the Bible. If we see someone struggling and have the means to help, yet turn a blind eye, we’re missing the mark. This doesn’t mean giving away your life savings; small acts of service matter too. Look for opportunities, big or small, to practically show God’s love to others.
15. Not actively using your talents and gifts is a missed opportunity.
The Bible talks about using the unique gifts God has given us to serve others. If you bury your talents out of fear or complacency, you’re not just denying yourself fulfillment, but you might miss out on ways to make a positive impact in the world. Ask yourself – how can I put my skills and passions to use to help those around me?
16. Judging other people is not your job description.
We all judge from time to time, but it becomes a problem when it consumes us, Verywell Mind warns. This judgment is often tied to pride (thinking we’re better than others). The Bible encourages humility. Focus on your own spiritual growth and let God do the judging – He’s much better at it anyway!
17. Being unwilling to admit when you’re wrong is a sign of pride.
Pride is a sneaky sin, popping up everywhere! The inability to say, “Oops, I messed up,” damages our relationships and stunts our spiritual growth. Humility, on the other hand, is a super attractive quality and opens us up to learning and becoming closer to God.
18. Envying others is a surefire way to be miserable.
Wishing you had someone else’s success, looks, or life circumstances just breeds discontent. This isn’t just harmless jealousy, it chips away at our trust in God’s plan for our lives. Focus on celebrating others’ successes and work on achieving the goals that are important to you.
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