If cancer cells are detected and treated at an early stage, they pose no threat to one's life. However, if they remain undetected or left untreated even after having been detected, the individual will lose his life. By the same token, if a small sin is neglected, as a Korean adage tells us, "He who steals a needle will steal an ox," that person may end up committing even great sins and arriving at a point from which he cannot return. Therefore, it is important to turn away from sins big and small immediately upon discovering them and to altogether root out the nature of sin from within.
"He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much" (Luke 16:10).
~ from Dr. Jaerock Lee column series "The Way" carried in the daily JoongAng Daily