Sin/Temptation
Temptation is similar to the cheese on the mousetrap. Though WE understand the purpose of the mousetrap (to kill the mouse), the mouse is only drawn to the potential ‘benefit’ of having something to eat. The mouse has no concern of its location or any associated dangers…just a desire to be fed. In the end, it is the desire that leads to its demise.
What about you? What desire is drawing you to the trap of sin?
Most people understand compromise to be a settlement of differences by mutual concessions; an agreement reached by adjustment of conflicting or opposing claims, principles. Compromise is also known as an endangering, especially of reputation; exposure to danger, suspicion (Dictionary.com).
Each day we face numerous decisions that can affect our lives before the Lord. One choice decision can change the course of our lives on earth and beyond. There comes sometimes when you would want to please your spouse (1 Corinthians 7:32-33), children, family, friends, or associates when you know God’s will is entirely different. There is a compromise that occurs, but it is at your (and other’s) expense.
Ephesians 4:27 – Neither give place to the devil.
Giving place (or a foothold) to the devil is dangerous beyond measure. The ‘place’ you give him will leave you and those connected to you in the crosshairs of sin. When you allow the devil to be given a place within your life (via disobedience, acceptance of temptation, sin), you open a doorway for every imaginable evil spirit to enter into your life.
There may come a time when you’re angry at one situation, and begin to break laws, yell at people, and do things you normally wouldn’t if you were in your ‘right’ mind. Your willingness to allow the devil to have a place in your life will bring continued death and destruction. Isn’t that the purpose of the devil: to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10)?!
Remain with the Lord…He has come to give you life!
Genesis 3:1-7 – Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.
When the serpent came to Eve, he wanted to create within her a desire she had never experienced. He wanted her to see what was being withheld from her. All he needed to do was plant a seed and allow her mind (and flesh) to do the rest. Does that sound familiar?
Satan and our own flesh (lust) will take the opportunity to present us with something that we do not have (1 Peter 5:8-9; James 1:13-15). Not only will it be something that we do not have, but it will be something they believe you must have as your own. (Now this is concerning temptations that lead to sinful acts.) However, there are some problems:
Swapping one sin for another does not solve your problem!
If a temptation is getting the better of you or you have committed any sin, the solution for getting rid of that cannot be to commit a different sin. Even if the emotions and actions of the previous sin may fade away (with your ‘new’ actions), the underlining principle of SIN still remains. If you find yourself in this ‘situation,’ your solution should be to end any act of sin and to seek repentance and restoration through Jesus Christ and His word.
Don’t believe the lie of swapping one sin for another! You will only remain a slave…to sin!
Photo courtesy of freeimages.com/juri Staikov
Have you ever known someone that would intentionally tempt you to indulge in some form of sin?
The sin doesn’t have to be sexual, but it could cover eating fattening food; going to a movie you know you shouldn’t see; visiting people you were told to stay away from, etc. Unfortunately, many of us have crossed paths with these types of people and they can be difficult to handle. Some of these people you can stay away from, but some are more difficult because of specific circumstances (i.e. co-worker).
There may be many reasons why someone would tempt you to sin. Some people want that ‘buddy’ to be with them when indulging in something they shouldn’t. They may not want to bear the guilt of their actions alone and want company in their misery. Some may want to see you fail and will work to sabotage everything you’ve worked hard for…
Whatever the reason for their actions, the final decision for your actions remain with you. You don’t have to eat the food; see the movie; or visit people you shouldn’t. You don’t have to give in…you can say NO.
Every situation is unique, so continue to seek God and wise counsel when proceeding.
Photo courtesy of freeimages.com/sean carpenter
For some strange reason, I thought my body (or flesh) was my friend. Since we share the same ‘space,’ I figured we would seek the best physical, mental, and spiritual health possible…and I WAS WRONG! Because of this reasoning, I didn’t always ‘fight’ with my flesh. I figured the fight (spiritually speaking) was solely with the devil and didn’t include the inner me.
Galatians 5:17 – For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
The flesh is not an ally! It seeks to satisfy its lust! Whether the lust refers to sexual acts, eating, speaking, or thinking, the flesh wants its way…AT ALL COSTS! The flesh isn’t concerned about your spiritual well-being; it only wants to be satisfied.
I feel desire in my bones that runs so deep Calling out for my flesh in days it is weak Like buddies hanging closer than the strongest glue Killing me softly with ideas that seem so true I must move past the desire and guard from the fire With addiction coming strong to build its empire I run faster than gingerbread with no sign of escape Addiction on the prowl it seems to my last day SAVE ME LORD, I tried and failed at all that I could My actions in the flesh have not been what they should I cannot live a life for you without your loving protection Show the way, build me up, teach me fleshly rejection Lead me step-by-step Breath-by-breath Where I need to be kept To kill addiction at its core where You’re all that’s left I can be free and live out every godly ambition Take it slow, read the Word, heed its loving petition Remain faithful to the Lord in the day of the fight Set your feet upon Jesus and prepare your light
Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/cwsillero
Keep your hands far away from the cookie jar Pass the plate and be healthy from sin-laced candy bars Get on the lookout for temptation strollin like a Sunday driver In the streets giving rides to any straying hitchhikers Hit the track, beat the record and break the tape Win the prize marked for you promised in the last day Stay steady on the road that leads you to freedom Pay no attention to temptation when he comes to see you But ‘I know him,’ maybe so a long time ago But would a friend lie to you to destroy your soul Blowing kisses and passing notes to deceive your life Check NO, not maybe so, to live a righteous life Hear the bell and proceed to your spiritual class The grace of God is your teacher and will help you pass Submit your walk and your life to our Savior and King Keep your eyes on the prize and not detestable things
Photo courtesy of Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/hsin26
Temptation and sin are not to be played with. They shouldn’t be given any opportunity to linger within your mind, body, or soul (etc.). When dealing with temptation and sin, you must take an offensive approach.
Many times we will stay on defense and wait for issues to come before we act or respond. (Some are even slow to respond.) Now, there are situations that take us by surprise and we must address them immediately, but we should still remain active – not passive.
Walk away, stand up, drive away, call someone, stand, sit down, speak, don’t speak…you get the idea!
Take the appropriate steps to keep sin out of your life…stand firm in the faith.
Photo courtesy of freeimages.com/Patrick Ng
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