04/13/2020
Do we think that we can flirt with the coals of temptation and not be burnt, or draw Close to the flicker of sin and not erupt into flames ourselves? Are we on the verge of such occurrences today? Are we speaking about someone negatively, calling it a correction, or warning, when in fact it is bitterness and hatred? Surely our words, and actions, will rub against us like a rasp, and we will find ourselves bleeding, or worn away.
“Can a man carry fire next to his chest and his clothes not be burned?”
Proverbs 6:27 ESV
This scripture, from the book of Proverbs, speaks of adultery, but when we step back from it we find that it fits every temptation we face. If we think often enough on those things that tempt us then eventually we will succumb to them.
When young, I was a Boy Scout, and was taught how to survive when stranded in the wilderness. One of the first skills I learned was how to make a fire. I could take a stick, a piece of wood, and some dry moss or lint, and make fire with them. I would place the moss in a notch carved in the wood then, after placing the end of the stick on it I would spin it by rubbing it back and forth using the palms of my hands until the friction from the stick built up heat and the moss began to smoke, and then ignited. Sin erupts from temptation in this same manner. When we revisit our temptation often enough the heat builds up within us until at last it begins to smolder, and then bursts into flame. We don’t typically succumb to sin immediately, most of the time we revisit it time and again, allowing its temptation to build up heat within us until finally we reach the point where it ignites. Then once those simple tools have brought forth fire we find that we are scorched, burnt, or on fire.
“Or can one walk on hot coals and his feet not be scorched?”
Proverbs 6:28 ESV
In my youth I was also told time and time again... “If you play with fire you get burned!”, and as I read the Bible I ran across the same message conveyed in these two scriptures, and In many other examples... maybe my parents weren’t being overly cautious after all. Maybe they had more wisdom than I realized.
“When I was a son with my father, tender, the only one in the sight of my mother, he taught me and said to me, “Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live. Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.”
Proverbs 4:3-5 ESV
So as temptation confronts us, and if it is allowed to build up within us, we will no doubt be burned by the sin that results from it, but that is not the end of it. No, from our sinful behavior that finds no repentance, comes our ultimate downfall... death. Sometimes that death might be physical, but it is always spiritual.
“But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.”
James 1:14-15 ESV
There is a cure for this that is more certain than just trying to keep a distance between our weak minds and any number of desirous temptations. Scripture teaches us that we should transform our minds, and in this way we will strengthen ourselves in faith, and in our ability to resist all ungodly desires...
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
Philippians 4:8-9 ESV
Fill your mind with good and righteous thoughts, and if you do this, then there will be little, if any, room for temptation to take hold, and to begin its rubbing, and friction, to ignite us. Are you ready to be changed, and strengthened against the temptations that you are facing today?
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Romans 12:2 ESV
Prayer:
Father, we thank you for strengthening our faith, and transforming our hearts and minds so that temptation can’t find a foothold there. We thank you for your Son Jesus who has taught us to dwell on righteous thoughts and behaviors, and for your Holy Spirit that gives us understanding, and comforts us in your Word, and will. Hear our prayers Father as we come to you desperate for an escape from temptation, and lead us down paths of righteousness by giving us the mind of Christ. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who leads us from temptation, hears our repentance, forgives us our transgressions, and chooses not to remember them any longer. Great is your love and goodness that has made a way for our redemption through the blood of Jesus. Praised be your name for your mercy that gives us an understanding of your Word, and strength in our desire to obey you. We worship you Father, and throw our crowns at your feet as we humble ourselves before you. Your perfect grace erupts through Christ, and brings forth glory... glory that is yours alone. Hear our contrition in prayer, hear our pleas for forgiveness, and lift from us the burden of temptation and sin which has separated us from you. Have mercy on us Father, and forgive us by your perfect and unfailing grace that flows through Jesus... cleansing us now, and forevermore.
Rich Forbes