"If I had cherished inquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened" Psalm 66:18
In Puritan writings, “the sin which clings so closely” in Hebrews 12:1 is frequently called a darling sin. "While a darling sin lives and keeps the throne in the heart," wrote Thomas Brooks, "grace and holiness will be kept exceeding weak and low."
Darling sins are cherished sins. Other sins we may abhor but we are fond of these and play with them and feed them and protect them.
Often darling sins are not viewed as sins at all; they are blind spots and may even appear virtuous to us. We may regard our pride as confidence, our lust as love, a hot temper as mere feistiness, unbelief and fear as cautiousness, a critical spirit as an analytical mind, coveting as admiring, defiance as independent thinking, presumption as boldness, and gossip as concern.
The devil insinuates thoughts into our minds to keep us in a darling sin by re-framing, covering over, minimizing, justifying, and excusing.
“It’s no big deal.
“Everybody does it.”
“It’s only a little one.”
“It’s not as bad as my other sins.”
“I don’t do it very often.”
“It doesn’t hurt anyone.”
“No one will even notice.”
“Most people do worse things.”
Jesus said, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God" (Matthew 5:8). To be among God's intimates, we must be pure and undivided in heart. Could it be we don't sense closeness with God because a darling sin has crowded Him out?
Reflection: What are my darling sins? Am I being honest with God about them?
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, you know me through and through. Show me the sins I am cherishing. Do a mighty work in me by your Holy Spirit that I might repent and give myself completely to you. In Jesus name. Amen.
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