Hi there
For those who didn’t read it, yesterday we began a conversation an temptation. We looked at the comparison game and the need to actually recognize that we are all sinful; even after conversion. We continue the reflection now, following today’s Holy Nougat
“Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.” James 1:14 NLT
Of course there’s also the cover-up, the need to hide our actual (or perceived) flaws and sins from others. And to a great extent it follows from the desire to seem sinless; as was mentioned yesterday. In most cases, the cover-up is for desires that we would rather keep hidden; like the elaborate lies we create to detract from the original wrong.
So David, the man after God’s own heart entertained his desire for a woman who was Not his wife. In fact she was married to one of his closest colleagues. And no, this is Not about Bathsheba, this is about David. When he sent for her, had his way with her and discovered the consequence, David’s quick fix was to pin it on her husband. That didn’t work, so he arranged a hit to cover the original sin. It cost so many others their lives. Likewise, Herod’s wife arranged for John the Baptist‘s beheading to cover her infidelity with her brother-in-law. What tangled webs we weave …
To counter the temptation, we ought to examine what it is that entices us, and why it is that we are so drawn to it. For our motives may influence even the best of ambitions. And once we know the why, we are able to place it before the throne of grace. Of course, honesty also ensures that we consider whether we genuinely wish to walk away or if it’s still a cover-up. If we are walking away, then we cry out to God for deliverance, lest we get dragged out against our will.
So here are some comparative questions to consider
Among the desires that we entertain, are we consuming our passion or is the passion consuming us? What/Who are we influenced by? Are we influencing it? (Is there reciprocity in our relationships?) Are we being transformed by our ‘passion’ or are we transforming our passion? Can we walk away? And most of all, can we share details about our passion with others Without feeling the need to pull a cover up? Does the passion align with God’s desires for us?
If we’re being transformed, consumed and influenced by a passion that is not aligned with God’s will, while we are proclaiming our faith in God, we are probably knee; more likely head-deep in temptation. It’s time to counter the temptation.
We do that by feeding our other wants, and especially God’s wants, to starve the desires that go against God’s will. In making time for God’s will, resisting the devil becomes much easier. And we may find it harder to be consumed, influenced or transformed. Especially by the cover-ups.
So, whether we have already yielded to our desires, or we are struggling; we know that by turning to God, our temptation has less power over us. We turn to God today and for all times … praying for the strength to overcome the desires of the mind, body and spirit which are out of alignment. Lord, in Your mercy, hear us.
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
