A spade is a spade

"A spade is a spade; a lie is a lie; a Sin is a Sin"

SW went to ARPC with her sisters and Chia Ee also visited church for the first time. She returned to share this message with me which was really good. Chris Chia was preaching about how people downplay (or should I say down-grade) sin by sugar-coating it or condoning it by compromising on our principles.

Over the years there has been debate about doing illegal things. We're not talking about rape or murder, but the simple things like traffic regulations, downloading of illegal softwares or music, etc. I have compromised in some areas and I really have to deal with it. If not what kind of integrity are we as leaders are showing to our youths? We can lie about it by not showing the ugly side, but before God there is no pretending because he is all-knowing.

How can we every flee from temptations? I can only find 2 ways: 1) renew our minds and subject it to the obedience of Christ the the scriptures and 2) simply flee from them.

I am reminded of this great hymn that I've often quoted from...

I want a principle within
of watchful, godly fear,
a sensibility of sin,
a pain to feel it near.
I want the first approach to feel
of pride or wrong desire,
to catch the wandering of my will,
and quench the kindling fire.

From thee that I no more may stray,
no more thy goodness grieve,
grant me the filial awe, I pray,
the tender conscience give.
Quick as the apple of an eye,
O God, my conscience make;
awake my soul when sin is nigh,
and keep it still awake.

Almighty God of truth and love,
to me thy power impart;
the mountain from my soul remove,
the hardness from my heart.
O may the least omission pain
my reawakened soul,
and drive me to that blood again,
which makes the wounded whole.

-Charles Wesley-