Broken Windows

There's an idea called the Broken Windows Theory. If I recall correctly, it basically means that crimes, like vandalism, are more likely to happen in places where crimes like vandalism have already been committed. It's almost as if people think "Well, that window is already broken, so it's not as much of a shame if someone also broke that other one." I don't know if this mindset really exists in the world of criminal psychology, but I know it exists in me.

There have been times when I, having given in to temptation, say to myself "Well, I already messed things up. I might as well give up for today and try again tomorrow," but that kind of mindset doesn't make any sense. Not for windows, and not for sin.

One window may be broken, but the others are still fine. The broken window can be replaced for the cost of replacing one window. But if more windows get broken, to cost of repairing the building rises. Each broken window adds to the cost of repairs, so each window that we manage not to break matters.

The same goes with sin. One sin can be forgiven for the cost of repenting of that one sin. The more sins we commit, the more sins we need to repent of, and the greater the cost becomes. Each sin we commit increases the cost of repentance (though the value of forgiveness is always great enough to be worth the cost of repentance, FYI), and each sin we manage not to commit helps us keep the cost of repentance down.

Breaking one window, especially by accident, or even by choice, does not justify breaking another. Having one broken window doesn't make the whole building worthless, and breaking more windows can only make things worse. It's better to board up the broken window until it can be replaced and take care not to break any more.

Similarly, committing one sin doesn't mean our entire lives are ruined, and it certainly doesn't give us license to commit more sins. One sin can be repented of with minimal effort, but each sin adds up. Rather than giving up an giving in to temptation because we've already slipped up, we should repent as quickly as we come to ourselves and try not to slip any further. I have broken some windows, both literally and figuratively, but I still have some windows intact, and I intend to keep them that way.