We treat sin too lightly. We say we do not want sin, but we do not treat
it as though it were something worthy of fear. Instead, we flirt with
it--with our eyes, and with our hands. Our eyes, for instance, lead us
to secret immodesty, arousing feelings of lust, and our hands also play
a part, and do not shrink from contact. We tread too near the serpent,
and we get bitten.
If only we were more ready to hold each other (and to be held)
accountable, to admonish and warn, and to accept the admonition and
warning. But we do not like to be brought up short by others, and when
we are, we often resent it, despite the brotherly bond.
Lack of willpower is usually nothing more than a secret agreement with
sin, and a superficial attitude to God's commandments, despite our pious
appearance. The person who really fears God has a stronger will, and is
more often able to hold himself from sinning. He is not like the one
who, though he says he hates sin, nevertheless falls into it when
temptation comes.
A Secret Agreement
Why It's So Hard to Overcome Sin
by J. C. Blumhardt
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