SIN IS INSIDIOUS
At least this is what God told Cain. Remember, God said to Cain that sin was lurking, crouching, lying in wait. In fact, Satan had waited for an opportunity to deceive and ensnare Eve, and lead her away from God. Satan's trap worked with both Eve and Cain, and it continues to work in the lives of the unsuspecting today.
Whether the sin (or the temptation to sin) is external or internal, it usually comes at us slowly and quietly and "grows" on us, becoming one with us, leading us to think that the evil thoughts we are having, originated with us, when in fact they are the lies of Satan. This is why we need to get the mind of God, from His word and through wise counsel from the godly.
This quiet and creeping deception explains why good people, Christian people, get to the point that they do not listen to godly counsel, why they do not accept or seek pastoral leading. They see themselves as self sufficient, which causes them to resent and resist anyone "telling them what to do." Like Cain, they become irritated, resentful, angry, jealous of those who are enjoying the life of faith and godliness, and submission to God.
It is best to get the counsel and leading of God before the sin occurs, because the consequences of sin are not nullified simply because we repent. Though a sinner can be forgiven of his sin, his sin will continue to reach and destroy other people. We need to see that our sins create waves that carry death and destruction, even after we have found forgiveness. What may appear to be a ripple may actually have the force of a tsunami in another person's life.
