God Said, “Abhor It.”

As a younger person, I can’t recall hating sin as much as I do now, and as I consider that statement it makes sense that I would not, for in my youth it was impossible to fully understand the horrendous results of sin. And, pressing further, I at this age, probably do not thoroughly grasp the ugliness of such consequence nor can I in every respect take in its shocking results and after-effects. But I understand enough to know I hate sin and its products–the sorrow and grief it produces–and that my disgust and loathing is God-given.

I Corinthians 10:6 “…we should not lust after evil things…”

I Thessalonians 5:22 “Abstain from all appearance of evil.”

Those scriptures taken from Pauline epistles are clear instruction that God’s people should not lust after evil things. Don’t traipse along after evil, Paul warns, and furthermore, don’t even give an appearance of evil. Shun those things, abstain from them.

Then Paul presses more deeply into this question of the Christian’s attitude toward sin.

Romans 12:9 “…Abhor that which is evil…”

My American Oxford Dictionary says abhor means to regard with disgust and hatred. Detest, hate, loathe, despise, execrate, shrink from, recoil from, shudder at.

Sin is not cute or funny or to be lightly regarded or excused. Sin is despicable and deadly, and God’s instructions to His people go past that of not sinning ourselves, but commands us to detest, loathe and hate sin. It is not to be tolerated or danced around or chucked under the chin, as would a mother pet a favored child. For sin is insidious and to be greatly feared.

Cancer is one of the hideous results of sin–not a disease caused by a person’s individual shortcomings, but a disease that is a result of original sin, the uprising of satan in Heaven, and the fall of man in Eden. I hate cancer, I hate this disease that wreaks havoc with families, that rapes lives and brings down tiny children and snatches life from virile handsome young fathers.

My thanks go to Mervi who on his blog today, through several links, reveals the story of Shane Champlain, of Bakersfield, CA., who on Friday at the age of 29 died of Glioblastoma, one of the most lethal forms of brain cancer.

The following pictures and text are from the Bakersfield Californian.

Photos:

Photo by Henry A. Barrios

Shane Champlain races his son, Ethen, to first base during a tee-ball game. Shane played linebacker in his high school football team and is proud of his sonês interest in sports and his ability at such a young age. Members of his church, including the children, know about Shane’s illness and help support the families spiritual, emotional and financial needs. He and his family, wife Shandahn and children Ethen, 5, and Emilee, 10 months, are dealing with the financial and emotional burden.

Photo by Henry A. Barrios

Shane and Shandahn Champlain, along with their children Ethen, 5, and Emilee, 10 months, attend a service at First Pentecostal Church where they are members. Their church has been a great source of support during this difficult time.

Photo by Henry A. Barrios

After receiving the news that he will need a third surgery to treat his brain tumor Shane Champlain sits with his father, Doyle Champlain, while Shandahn, Shane’s wife, checks to see how much they will have to pay for the doctor visit. The financial burden has been devastating to the young family.

Photo by Henry A. Barrios

After a 5 a.m. start from Bakersfield, Shane Champlain has an appointment with Dr. Timothy Cloughesy at UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center to discuss the MRI results of his brain. The tumor in his head has grown. Some of his options are a third surgery and experiment therapy that has been helpful to other patients. His wife Shandahn and parents Doyle and Robyn Champlain are with him to go through this difficult time.

Related Stories:

• Family keeps faith after young father’s third brain surgery

Links:

• • Check out an audio slide show of Shane before his third surgery

Edit: Thursday March 13 Thanks to Mervi who has also supplied this link called Shane’s Cause.

There are many pictures there, and a brief documentary by his wife.

I don’t personally know this family, but I’ve been to their church many times, and have probably met Shane’s parents–perhaps even Shane himself. I grieve with all of them today, and pray comfort for them.

I detest sin, hate the devil, abhor his unspeakable ways.

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