"Small" Sins

"You will say that these are very small sins; and doubtless, like all young tempters, 

you are anxious to be able to report spectacular wickedness. But do remember, 

the only thing that matters is the extent to which you separate the man from the Enemy [God].  

It does not matter how small the sins are provided that their cumulative effect 

is to edge the man away from the Light and out into the Nothing." 

 (the demon Screwtape writing to the demon Wormwood 

in The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis)

 

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 

Ephesians 5:8-11 

It is easy to excuse what we think are "small sins". Over time, our consciences become hardened as we justify what we think is "not so bad". The tempter will provide many reasons to help us explain why whatever is OK for us in our particular situation. He will provide examples (other deceived folks) that we can compare ourselves to and feel better about it (self-righteousness, a false sense of true righteousness). He will provide opportunities for us to sin in private (seemingly), void of any consequences (supposedly) and then pacify us out of any guilt we may feel about it (wrongly). This "getting away with it" then leads us to repeat it. And, then, my friend, the noose is set. 

Each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. James 1:14-15

Today, let us ask for God's mercy to help us avoid anything that would grieve the Holy Spirit within us and cause us to stray from His light. No matter how seemingly big or small, there is no sin or temptation that can bring greater joy than the presence of our Lord. Praise Him forever.

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion 

looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8