If a one-year-old snags a lollipop from a bin at the grocery store and eats it without paying for it, we likely handle that differently than if a ten-year-old does it. By the time a child is ten, he’s been taught that he shouldn’t take something that doesn’t belong to him. Consequently, he’s likely to be more firmly disciplined than the toddler who is only doing what toddlers do *smile*.

The same applies to Christians. When we accept Christ as Savior and Lord, the Holy Spirit becomes our constant companion and guide. He “lets us know” when we’re reaching for something we shouldn’t have. When we ignore Him and grab anyway, we are choosing to sin. We really can’t use the excuse, “But I didn’t know!” And we really shouldn’t say, “But it’s so-and-so’s fault.” We are each accountable for our own choices. If we know we shouldn’t and we do it anyway, we grieve the Holy Spirit, and we fail to set an example of faithfulness. Sin drives a wedge between us and our Father. It’s painful for us, and it’s painful for Him. If we know right, then let’s do right. If we’re not sure what’s right, let’s consult God’s Word and ask for wisdom. It’s not enough to know; we must also do.