SISTER SODOM

Sodom is always associated with wicked “men” But here God calls her as “Sister Sodom!” “Now, this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughter had pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty and committed abomination before Me; therefore I took them away as I saw fit” (Ezek 16:49,50). I believe God has a message for us, women, here. He points His finger towards some of our besetting sins. The sins we are indulging in are so deceitful that many times we don’t feel the sting of our conscience. Let’s take a look at each of them.

1. Pride

Wherever the Bible speaks good of women, it couples them with a meek and quiet spirit, submission, silence and the like. whenever we cross over the boundary Scripture has marked for us, we stain ourselves with this sin. Remember Lot’s wife? She knew about the wickedness of the men of Sodom as against her husband’s righteousness, how her daughters were at stake, saw God’s power of protection - yet she failed in accepting the leadership of Lot. “But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt” (Gen 19:26).

Lot’s wife and daughters had well learnt the ways of Sodom. Had she been with her aunt Sarah, who “obeyed Abraham, calling him lord,” she would have faired better (1 Pet 3:6). The Bible quotes Sarah as an example of “holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands” (1 Pet 3:5).

Women need the umbrella of men—the married women their husbands and unmarried their parents. In a crisis like the destruction of Sodom, Lot’s wife should have gone in front of Lot, between his protecting arms. But she lagged behind so that she could turn back and look behind, without his knowledge. Disobedient to God and her man she became savourless salt on that ill-fated flight. And what woe, even her husband or children could not turn back to pay their homage!

Many times we despise our husbands/parents in our hearts and are filled with negative thoughts. We fail to accept their leadership happily. When they correct us on some small aspect, we react violently. We do things secretly without their knowledge. A proud thought often sneaks in and whispers: “Can I not live without him?” or, “I’ll be happier in a hostel.” The Women’s Lib has swung women to one end of the pendulum. It claims a pedestal for women. On the other hand, often we resent being women or driven to suicide. Both are shades of pride. We should learn to keep ourselves where the Scripture places us. That is where we find fulfilment and satisfaction in life. Be a submissive wife or daughter. Help your husband to be the head of the home by your cooperation. Never be responsible for his cooling down in spiritual fervour. Ask yourself this question: In case of my husband’s/parent’s death will I have to regret my behaviour towards them?

2. Fullness of Food

Why is a blessing counted as a sin here? No blessing may be misused. We must enjoy them the proper way. Fullness of food, in other words, the availability of varieties of food at home, should never lead us to indulgence. Since we “live” in the kitchen and spend more time inside the house than outside, we tend to eat irregularly and that often exceeds the limits. Another fate of women is to eat the left-overs. So we have developed the habit of throwing away any waste inside us rather than giving to, say, a beggar or someone in hunger. Remind yourself that you are not the waste basket!

Overweight is a great concern for women. Sometimes it is familial and at other times it is medical. But if overweight is  due to overeating, then our appetite must be brought under check. Neither should we stuff our children with unwanted calories. God has disciplined me in the area of food, though I was like an ox not muzzled. I never thought of praying for my overweight. When one day the thought struck me and I honestly and sincerely started to pray about it, listen to God and cooperate, he offered me divine assistance. He helped me to see overeating as sin and I started confessing every time I overate. He helped me love fruits and vegetables more than sweets and savouries. He taught me to say ‘no’ to a second helping. Every time I went to the ruler’s dinner, I went with the knife in my throat; but the moment I saw the mouth watering dishes I put the knife back into my hand bag (Prov 23:1,2). Then came the host problem. God helped me to “offend” my compelling hosts! I accepted it as a spiritual exercise and continued the battle. Luke 21:34 has warned me to be careful at every meal: “Take heed to yourselves, lest at anytime your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting...so that the day come upon you unawares.”

Gluttony is a sin which believers encourage believers to commit, which we pray and commit, which is not dreaded as a sin. It is an open sin we do not feel guilty about. It is a slow suicide embraced by Christians. God wants to free us from overeating as much as from any other sin.

Overweight is only the tip of the iceberg. Internally you are injuring your heart, blood vessels, joints, your entire system and your psychology too. Do not be bogged down in a quagmire of hopelessness. Slow and steady discipline (not crash diet) wins the race. Don’t look at your figure and lose hope. Here are a few tips:

Weigh yourself at least once a week regularly. Lose one kg at a time and learn to maintain it. Then start with the next. Have a nutritious meal than junk food. Never eat till you become uncomfortable. Don’t eat when you are not hungry. Learn to enjoy fruits and vegetables.

3. Abundance of Idleness

Overeating leads to lethargy. The housewife’s job is a fulltime job. But when we slip into laziness we neglect certain duties like dusting, cleaning and scrubbing, giving way to idle talk or hours before the TV. A wise woman never wastes her energy.

Rally your will and body against laziness. Learn to love your housework. Put novelty into it. Develop a quest for briskness, quicken your pace so you can clean one more shelf today. The lazy, careless, disorganised person is a loser. Never shun hard work you are capable of. Sweating can be eased by a cold shower. If you are unable to sleep in the night don’t be rolling in bed. It is probably God telling you to get up and pray or read your Bible! Involve yourself in some outreach activity, at least once a week. Housework or any job given to you must be done with utmost sincerity to the best of your ability. Learn to improve and persevere. “Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before unknown men” (Prov 22:29). Don’t give excuses for not doing a job or leaving it half done. Put your heart, soul and mind into any work you do. Do it with precision and accuracy.

The modern world is gadget addicted. We want someone to do the job for us. Soon we’ll discover computers to operate computers. We would rather take an auto than walk a mile. One reason for lack of sleep is lack of physical activities. There must be a healthy balance between mental and physical work. Those whose work is physical must relax and rest in their free time. Those whose work is sedentary must take a long walk or play an outdoor game. Regular physical exercises keep the temple of the Holy Spirit trim. Even small activities add to your daily exercises and improve blood circulation. When housewives are lazy and do not cook nutritious meals, keep the house clean and tend the children, poverty comes in the form of medical bills (Prov 6:9-11).

4. Neglect of the Poor and Needy

When we become idle, naturally we forget the need of others. My first lessons on caring for the poor and needy were learnt first from my dad and then from the Bible. Memory is still green how one day he stopped the car to pick up five accident victims, and packed them in the back seat. He huddled us all four children with mummy in the front seat. We waited patiently in the car till he had them admitted in the hospital and arranged for their care. He would hurry to a nearby shop to buy a cloth and cover a mad naked fellow on the street. He would come to the rescue of a battered child. He would pray in the family prayer for a child whose eye he was to remove  the next day and carry toys for him. As children we sat with our parents and wrapped gift parcels and took them to Orphanages, Blind Schools, Deaf and Dumb Homes, Destitute Homes, Leprosaria, Old Peoples’ Homes and Prisons. He habitually set apart a portion of his income for the poor.

The Bible has too many references to quote. Make a study of them. Visit the slum nearest to your home and do what you can. Why should there be hundred lights in one church? Let your light shine in a place of darkness. Develop a heart for the mentally retarded. When you see a dead body, arrange for its burial. Invite a few poor when there is a festival dinner. Have the compassion to sit and talk and listen to the poor. Speak to them with respect in your tone. Very many times we see them as soul-less creatures. May God give us a second touch that we may see them as men and not as trees!

5. Idolatry

One thing God repeatedly and vehemently calls as abomination is idolatry. He has warned us not to learn the practices of the non-Christian people among whom we live. Read Dt 18:9-14. We Indian Christians have a rich heritage of paganism. We have left paganism but paganism still has its tentacles on us. God’s Word goes to the extent of commanding His children “not to make mention of the names of other gods” (Ex 23:13). Lets crusade till we eliminate the last vestiges of heathenism in us. Let there be found nothing in us that God could call abomination. Let’s not hesitate to offend our old-time mother or grandmother or great grandfather for breaking up an age-old family (heathen) custom. Ayudha Pooja was conducted in our home as an annual  feature in a very grand scale because the workers demanded it. We were doing it as Christians. But when we grew in the knowledge of Christ we put and end to it.I know some of my relatives who vow to Velankanni. Worshiping Mary or doing obeisance to the so-called picture of Christ, kissing idols or keeping candles for them are all idolatry.

Some Christians have idols in their homes as antics or art pieces. They say it is a gift of a loved one and so they keep it. I have seen Christians who tie talisman around their child’s neck or strings around the hip or wrist to ward off evil. Some  wear rings with idols engraved. It is a common practice among  Christians to take their children to the mosque for healing. There are Christians who rush for the newspaper or a magazine to see their star luck. Some follow astrology. Some go to palmists to see their future or to diviners before putting up a building. We receive Christian wedding invitations, five or six on a single day and we find that it an “auspicious” day! Even in Christian homes, in a wedding, Aarathi is done and the bride is asked to step in with her right foot first. Widows are considered as a curse on such occasions. (Dt 18:10-14).

Beware, nowadays Ouija boards and demonic games have become common practice. Keep yourself off any occult practice or places of demon worship. Avoid reading books on magic. Do not allow your children to sing songs of idol worship or dance to them. Some believe in the evil eye or bad omen. How many daughters-in-law are ill-treated by believing mothers-in-law for barrenness or for having only girl children. In some homes girls are given a second class treatment. Untouchability and superstitions are part of heathenism.

Christians watch Ramayana and Mahabaratha on Sunday morning. Can Christians backslide any further? May God save us and not spew us out of His mouth!

Pride, gluttony, idleness, hard-heartedness and idolatry are sins we have swept under the carpet. They have become a comfortable part of our life. Trouble rings no warning bells. Dear Sister Sodom, clean yourself  before it is too late!

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 Little Stories for Little Hearts Vol 5
   Updated

 Dr Lilian Stanley Blog
   Updated

  •   The Best Crown Ever! (Tamil)
      Dec 05, 2022
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      Nov 18, 2022
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   Updated

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      Jun 06, 2023
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  •   051. Blessed Accident
      Feb 21, 2018
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  •   052. Offense
      Feb 21, 2018
    An elaborate feast was arranged for all the palace staff on the occasion of Queen Elizabeth?s birthday. It was a grand affair. The table was loaded with a variety of dishes. Everybody enjoyed the feast and sat down for dessert. In the meanwhile the table more...
  •   053. Great and Small
      Feb 21, 2018
    A small zero collided with a big zero. ?Don?t you have any sense? Don?t you know I am much bigger than you?? asked the big zero; ?You must be ashamed of yourself.? more...
  • Click here for more 

 Little Stories for Little Hearts Vol 3

  •   094 Ant and Worm
      Jun 01, 2016
    An ant was majestically walking along a forest. She saw a worm crawling. The ant told the worm: ?Look at me. I am so brisk and smart. You should be faster and dress up beautifully. You look ugly.? Despising the worm the ant moved along. more...
  •   095 Diligence Pays
      Jun 01, 2016
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  •   096 Poor Minister
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  • Click here for more 

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  •   001 The Modern Prodigal
      Jul 11, 2013
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  •   002 Lower One Foot, Lord!
      Jul 11, 2013
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  •   003 Beautiful Cheques
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      Jun 06, 2013
    Story Behind The Stories more...
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      Jun 05, 2013
    There were two scientists. One was a believer in the true God and another was an aetheist more...
  •   002.The Language of Love!
      Jun 05, 2013
    A circus was running in town, and crowds elbowed each other to buy tickets. One day an unusual incident happened more...
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 Sweet Sixteen

  •   019 - Mala the Great!
      Jun 25, 2015
    7 Dec 1988 Dear Aunty, It?s been 2 months since we were in touch. I?m saturated with ?news? to give you and nearly bursting with curiosity to hear what?s been happening at your end. The last letter you wrote to me was an eye-opener. To more...
  •   020 - The Rainbow
      Jun 25, 2015
    On the day she arrived, she was at my doorstep! ?Hi aunty? ?Oh Mala, how are you?? She shook my hand so long and hard that it ached, and planted a kiss on my cheek - so unusual of her. ?Why didn?t you write aunty?? ?Oh, I knew you?d be coming soon. So more...
  •   021 - What to Do?
      Jun 25, 2015
    7 Jan 1989 Dear Aunty, Christmas holidays were great fun. It was lovely getting in touch with friends and relatives. On New Year?s Day I gleaned thro? my diary- There was so much to thank God for! My friend Esther is in Rajasthan. She wrote asking for g more...
  • Click here for more 

 Ministry

  •   GO
      Sep 19, 2024
    Before giving the Great Commission, our Lord Jesus groomed His disciples for three and a half years more...
  •   Youth Prophet
      Jul 24, 2022
    I am Jeremiah the prophet. Read my book, having in mind a budding youth who matured into a grand old man more...
  •   Starting Trouble?
      Apr 30, 2022
    Many want to serve God but they do not know how... more...
  • Click here for more 

 Women

  •   Golden Girl
      Aug 27, 2018
    As India basks in the glory of the golden girls who kissed their gold medals in the 2018 Asian Games, let us meditate upon the Golden Girl who glitters in the Scriptures. The Psalmist profiles her in his 45th Psalm: ?At Your right hand is the royal bride more...
  •   Sister Sodom
      Jan 16, 2017
    Sodom is always associated with wicked ''men''. But here God calls her as 'Sister Sodom!' more...
  •   Women,Leaven and Heaven!
      Sep 30, 2016
    Women,Leaven and Heaven! 'The Kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened ' ,said Jesus (Mt 13:33). more...
  • Click here for more 

 Youth

  •   Is My Life Over?
      Jul 17, 2023
    Failure in something is not failure in life more...
  •   Parties Gone Wild!
      Dec 27, 2020
    Parties Gone Wild! more...
  •   A Teenagers Story
      Oct 04, 2017
    In the Bible we read about many teenagers. One such is David. When we are introduced to him, he is probably fifteen or sixteen, trying his more...
  • Click here for more 

 General
   Updated

  •   Is ₹, my Big Boss?
      Feb 07, 2025
    In the last days perilous times will come; for men will be lovers of money more...
  •   Quick, Hurry Up, Jesus is on the way!
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    I am James, the brother of Jesus. Born into the lowest rung of society in the rustic town of Nazareth, we were five brothers and had sisters too more...
  • Click here for more 

 Family
   Updated

  •   Child Abuse
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    "Whilst child abuse may be committed behind closed doors, it should never be swept under the carpet," said Constance Brisco more...
  •   Wife Beating
      Jul 11, 2021
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  •   Creepers Without Support
      Sep 30, 2016
    Creepers Without Support The Bible mentions ?pure religion? only once. ?Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unspotted from the world? (Js 1:2 more...
  • Click here for more 

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 SISTER SODOM

Sodom is always associated with wicked “men” But here God calls her as “Sister Sodom!” “Now, this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughter had pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty and committed abomination before Me; therefore I took them away as I saw fit” (Ezek 16:49,50). I believe God has a message for us, women, here. He points His finger towards some of our besetting sins. The sins we are indulging in are so deceitful that many times we don’t feel the sting of our conscience. Let’s take a look at each of them.

1. Pride

Wherever the Bible speaks good of women, it couples them with a meek and quiet spirit, submission, silence and the like. whenever we cross over the boundary Scripture has marked for us, we stain ourselves with this sin. Remember Lot’s wife? She knew about the wickedness of the men of Sodom as against her husband’s righteousness, how her daughters were at stake, saw God’s power of protection - yet she failed in accepting the leadership of Lot. “But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt” (Gen 19:26).

Lot’s wife and daughters had well learnt the ways of Sodom. Had she been with her aunt Sarah, who “obeyed Abraham, calling him lord,” she would have faired better (1 Pet 3:6). The Bible quotes Sarah as an example of “holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands” (1 Pet 3:5).

Women need the umbrella of men—the married women their husbands and unmarried their parents. In a crisis like the destruction of Sodom, Lot’s wife should have gone in front of Lot, between his protecting arms. But she lagged behind so that she could turn back and look behind, without his knowledge. Disobedient to God and her man she became savourless salt on that ill-fated flight. And what woe, even her husband or children could not turn back to pay their homage!

Many times we despise our husbands/parents in our hearts and are filled with negative thoughts. We fail to accept their leadership happily. When they correct us on some small aspect, we react violently. We do things secretly without their knowledge. A proud thought often sneaks in and whispers: “Can I not live without him?” or, “I’ll be happier in a hostel.” The Women’s Lib has swung women to one end of the pendulum. It claims a pedestal for women. On the other hand, often we resent being women or driven to suicide. Both are shades of pride. We should learn to keep ourselves where the Scripture places us. That is where we find fulfilment and satisfaction in life. Be a submissive wife or daughter. Help your husband to be the head of the home by your cooperation. Never be responsible for his cooling down in spiritual fervour. Ask yourself this question: In case of my husband’s/parent’s death will I have to regret my behaviour towards them?

2. Fullness of Food

Why is a blessing counted as a sin here? No blessing may be misused. We must enjoy them the proper way. Fullness of food, in other words, the availability of varieties of food at home, should never lead us to indulgence. Since we “live” in the kitchen and spend more time inside the house than outside, we tend to eat irregularly and that often exceeds the limits. Another fate of women is to eat the left-overs. So we have developed the habit of throwing away any waste inside us rather than giving to, say, a beggar or someone in hunger. Remind yourself that you are not the waste basket!

Overweight is a great concern for women. Sometimes it is familial and at other times it is medical. But if overweight is  due to overeating, then our appetite must be brought under check. Neither should we stuff our children with unwanted calories. God has disciplined me in the area of food, though I was like an ox not muzzled. I never thought of praying for my overweight. When one day the thought struck me and I honestly and sincerely started to pray about it, listen to God and cooperate, he offered me divine assistance. He helped me to see overeating as sin and I started confessing every time I overate. He helped me love fruits and vegetables more than sweets and savouries. He taught me to say ‘no’ to a second helping. Every time I went to the ruler’s dinner, I went with the knife in my throat; but the moment I saw the mouth watering dishes I put the knife back into my hand bag (Prov 23:1,2). Then came the host problem. God helped me to “offend” my compelling hosts! I accepted it as a spiritual exercise and continued the battle. Luke 21:34 has warned me to be careful at every meal: “Take heed to yourselves, lest at anytime your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting...so that the day come upon you unawares.”

Gluttony is a sin which believers encourage believers to commit, which we pray and commit, which is not dreaded as a sin. It is an open sin we do not feel guilty about. It is a slow suicide embraced by Christians. God wants to free us from overeating as much as from any other sin.

Overweight is only the tip of the iceberg. Internally you are injuring your heart, blood vessels, joints, your entire system and your psychology too. Do not be bogged down in a quagmire of hopelessness. Slow and steady discipline (not crash diet) wins the race. Don’t look at your figure and lose hope. Here are a few tips:

Weigh yourself at least once a week regularly. Lose one kg at a time and learn to maintain it. Then start with the next. Have a nutritious meal than junk food. Never eat till you become uncomfortable. Don’t eat when you are not hungry. Learn to enjoy fruits and vegetables.

3. Abundance of Idleness

Overeating leads to lethargy. The housewife’s job is a fulltime job. But when we slip into laziness we neglect certain duties like dusting, cleaning and scrubbing, giving way to idle talk or hours before the TV. A wise woman never wastes her energy.

Rally your will and body against laziness. Learn to love your housework. Put novelty into it. Develop a quest for briskness, quicken your pace so you can clean one more shelf today. The lazy, careless, disorganised person is a loser. Never shun hard work you are capable of. Sweating can be eased by a cold shower. If you are unable to sleep in the night don’t be rolling in bed. It is probably God telling you to get up and pray or read your Bible! Involve yourself in some outreach activity, at least once a week. Housework or any job given to you must be done with utmost sincerity to the best of your ability. Learn to improve and persevere. “Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before unknown men” (Prov 22:29). Don’t give excuses for not doing a job or leaving it half done. Put your heart, soul and mind into any work you do. Do it with precision and accuracy.

The modern world is gadget addicted. We want someone to do the job for us. Soon we’ll discover computers to operate computers. We would rather take an auto than walk a mile. One reason for lack of sleep is lack of physical activities. There must be a healthy balance between mental and physical work. Those whose work is physical must relax and rest in their free time. Those whose work is sedentary must take a long walk or play an outdoor game. Regular physical exercises keep the temple of the Holy Spirit trim. Even small activities add to your daily exercises and improve blood circulation. When housewives are lazy and do not cook nutritious meals, keep the house clean and tend the children, poverty comes in the form of medical bills (Prov 6:9-11).

4. Neglect of the Poor and Needy

When we become idle, naturally we forget the need of others. My first lessons on caring for the poor and needy were learnt first from my dad and then from the Bible. Memory is still green how one day he stopped the car to pick up five accident victims, and packed them in the back seat. He huddled us all four children with mummy in the front seat. We waited patiently in the car till he had them admitted in the hospital and arranged for their care. He would hurry to a nearby shop to buy a cloth and cover a mad naked fellow on the street. He would come to the rescue of a battered child. He would pray in the family prayer for a child whose eye he was to remove  the next day and carry toys for him. As children we sat with our parents and wrapped gift parcels and took them to Orphanages, Blind Schools, Deaf and Dumb Homes, Destitute Homes, Leprosaria, Old Peoples’ Homes and Prisons. He habitually set apart a portion of his income for the poor.

The Bible has too many references to quote. Make a study of them. Visit the slum nearest to your home and do what you can. Why should there be hundred lights in one church? Let your light shine in a place of darkness. Develop a heart for the mentally retarded. When you see a dead body, arrange for its burial. Invite a few poor when there is a festival dinner. Have the compassion to sit and talk and listen to the poor. Speak to them with respect in your tone. Very many times we see them as soul-less creatures. May God give us a second touch that we may see them as men and not as trees!

5. Idolatry

One thing God repeatedly and vehemently calls as abomination is idolatry. He has warned us not to learn the practices of the non-Christian people among whom we live. Read Dt 18:9-14. We Indian Christians have a rich heritage of paganism. We have left paganism but paganism still has its tentacles on us. God’s Word goes to the extent of commanding His children “not to make mention of the names of other gods” (Ex 23:13). Lets crusade till we eliminate the last vestiges of heathenism in us. Let there be found nothing in us that God could call abomination. Let’s not hesitate to offend our old-time mother or grandmother or great grandfather for breaking up an age-old family (heathen) custom. Ayudha Pooja was conducted in our home as an annual  feature in a very grand scale because the workers demanded it. We were doing it as Christians. But when we grew in the knowledge of Christ we put and end to it.I know some of my relatives who vow to Velankanni. Worshiping Mary or doing obeisance to the so-called picture of Christ, kissing idols or keeping candles for them are all idolatry.

Some Christians have idols in their homes as antics or art pieces. They say it is a gift of a loved one and so they keep it. I have seen Christians who tie talisman around their child’s neck or strings around the hip or wrist to ward off evil. Some  wear rings with idols engraved. It is a common practice among  Christians to take their children to the mosque for healing. There are Christians who rush for the newspaper or a magazine to see their star luck. Some follow astrology. Some go to palmists to see their future or to diviners before putting up a building. We receive Christian wedding invitations, five or six on a single day and we find that it an “auspicious” day! Even in Christian homes, in a wedding, Aarathi is done and the bride is asked to step in with her right foot first. Widows are considered as a curse on such occasions. (Dt 18:10-14).

Beware, nowadays Ouija boards and demonic games have become common practice. Keep yourself off any occult practice or places of demon worship. Avoid reading books on magic. Do not allow your children to sing songs of idol worship or dance to them. Some believe in the evil eye or bad omen. How many daughters-in-law are ill-treated by believing mothers-in-law for barrenness or for having only girl children. In some homes girls are given a second class treatment. Untouchability and superstitions are part of heathenism.

Christians watch Ramayana and Mahabaratha on Sunday morning. Can Christians backslide any further? May God save us and not spew us out of His mouth!

Pride, gluttony, idleness, hard-heartedness and idolatry are sins we have swept under the carpet. They have become a comfortable part of our life. Trouble rings no warning bells. Dear Sister Sodom, clean yourself  before it is too late!

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