'Sin lives in a costume; that's why it's so hard to recognise. The fact that sin looks good is one of the things that make it so bad. In order for it to do its evil work, it must present itself as something that is anything but evil. Life is a fallen world is like attending the ultimate masquerade party. Impatient yelling wears the costume of a zeal for truth. Lust can masquerade as a love for beauty. Gossip does its evil work by living in the costume of concern and prayer. Craving for power and control wears the mask of biblical leadership. Fear of man gets dressed up as a servant heart. The pride of always being right masquerades as a love for biblical wisdom. Evil simple doesn't present itself as evil, which is part of its draw.'
Paul David Tripp, Whiter than snow: meditations on sin and mercy, p.32.
