It's Such a Small Sin -- It Won't Matter

…The steps were small and seemingly innocuous, but within a generation, the Israelites were familiar enough with the surrounding people that they were serving their Baals (Judge. 2:1-12).

This is the way sin deceives. In order to slip past our consciences, it must begin with small steps of disobedience. Were the Israelites aware of their steps toward idolatry? Probably not. Idolatry is automatic. When the sentry of our hearts is not vigilant, idolatry is like an instinct. It happens naturally. If you had warned the Israelites oat this early stage, they probably would have denied incipient idolatry. From their perspective it certainly didn’t feel like outright rebellion. But it was.

Welch, p. 59.