David said to God: "I have sinned greatly by doing this" (1 Chronicles 21:8).
The Apostle Paul said that we must "purify ourselves from all defilements of the body and spirit" (2 Corinthians 7:1). Even though according to those around us, we seem to live a clean and moral life, but in spirit, we may still have an attitude that makes God grieve. Since spiritual sin is invisible to the eye, but hidden in the heart, we tend to ignore it until it causes real evil to reveal its existence.
The life of King David illustrates both aspects of this sin. His lust for Bathsheba led him to commit adultery and murder (2 Samuel 11,12; Psalm 32:5), causing great suffering to his own life and reproach to the Israelites. Then, in his old age, he succumbed to Satan's temptation to take a census (1 Chronicles 21:1-6). This seemingly innocent act made God grieve (verse 7,8) because David boasted about his military strength. He clearly had deviated from total obedience to Allah, who had miraculously saved himself so many times, to trust in his own power and strength.
From the outside, it may appear to others that we are winning the war against sin. However, we must always be aware of spiritual sins, especially pride. This sin can cause us to stumble and fall, even at the end of life's journey --DJD
PRIDE AND LUST ARE HIDDEN STONES WHICH MAKES MANY PEOPLE STUMB
* Take from Daily Devotional