Lovely Lilies

Why does it seem so much worse when a person who calls himself a Christian cheats? Or lies or goes back on his word? One reason is that we, as Christians, are expected to be ambassadors for Christ in this world; that men are to see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven. Another reason, that we are in a highly priveliged circumstances (and to whom much is given...).
I would like to set forward another facet on the answer of why this sort of behaviour seems worse coming from a Christian than from a non-Christian. As Shakespeare would say:

For sweeter things turn sourest by their deeds;
Lilies that fester smell far worse than weeds.
(from Sonnet 94)

In a way, this does tie in with the idea of being priveliged. When we are born again in Christ, we are given a new heart, a heart that is turned to God. So we see that those that sin before the new birth are following their sinful nature but when we sin after regeneration, we are going against the nature God has given us. In both cases sin is sin and it stinks yet it seems worse for Christians because we were made for better things.

As we daily present our bodies as living sacrifices may they let off a sweet-smelling savour to God!