“While others have their fellowship with Satan and their lusts, making provision for them, and recieving pershing refreshments from them (“whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things” [Phil. 3:19]), they (the saints) have this sweet communion with the Father. … Further; this will discover a main difference between the saints and empty professors.As to the performance of duties, and so the enjoyment of outward privileges, fruitless professors often walk hand in hand with them; but now come to their secret retirements, and what a difference is there! There the saints hold communion with God: hypocrites, for the most part, with the world and their lusts – with them they converse and communicate; they hearken what they will say to them, and make provision for them, when the saints are sweetly wrapped up in the bosom of their Father’s love.” (Communion with the Triune God, 130-131)

This quote by Owen was a great reminder that a man is never more than he is in private. I appreciate his description of the person who is conversing with his lusts, giving consideration and discussing with them how he might make opportunity to enjoy them. It reminds me that sin is seldom stumbled into, but is often the result of having not guarded his heart and allowed himself to be put in a situation where temptation is likely to occur.

It is a great reminder also to see sin as sin, and the pleasure of sin as “perishing refreshment”. At to remember that true pleasure and lasting refreshment are found in God. “In Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever.” (Ps. 16:11b, emphasis added)