Temptation is a menace! It looms there, capturing our thoughts, distracting us. Like the leftover Christmas sweets calling to us from their protective containers. We've made the vow to put them aside and lose that weight. But their pull is just too strong. I'll start that diet tomorrow.
That serpent may have to crawl on his belly, but he still gets around quick. He's everywhere. He won't leave me alone. His tempting words echo in my mind. What would it really hurt?
As I read through this passage on the fall of man, Adam and Eve eating of the forbidden fruit, it dawned on me that that not everything the serpent told Eve was a lie. It was pleasing to the eye. It looked really good in other words. It tasted great. And the little side benefit, it would make her like God, knowing good from evil. Okay, the last one was a partial truth. She wouldn't really be like God. But she would know good and evil.
The temptations we face have some truth. They could be pleasing to the senses if we indulge. But just because they might be enjoyable for the moment, doesn't mean it's beneficial. Yesterday, I saw a commercial about taking care of your pet. It cautioned against allowing your dog to drink from puddles and to watch out for antifreeze. Apparently, antifreeze tastes sweet, but is very deadly if consumed. Indulging in some temptations may taste sweet to us, but like drinking antifreeze, it can have a deadly affect on our lives, relationships, career, health, emotions, etc.
God, give me clarity of mind and wisdom to choose the right things this year. Help me to overcome temptation. Help me keep my eyes fixed on you and your Word in my mind and heart.
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