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Cal's Pastoral Epistles
"When Temptation Calls Your Name"
August 12, 2009
I didn't intend to do it. It always happens that way, doesn't it? I stopped to
get gas and I did it when I went in to pay. I did it without thinking. That
animal part of my brain took over and I couldn't control myself.
It looked so good. I just glanced to the left and noticed the peanut butter
cup brownie flaunting itself there in the display case. I wasn't really hungry.
I had no intention of getting something to eat. Without thinking I just
reached out and took it. I paid for it and headed out to the car.
I wasn't even a half mile down the road and it was gone. I didn't eat it. I
inhaled it. It was good. Well, at least the first few bites were good. I don't
remember much after that. It all became a blur and then it turned into regret.
The problem with giving in to temptation is the fact that the treat never
quite lives up to the expectation. As a matter of fact, I felt a little sick to my
stomach ten minutes later.
That is the way it is with sin. It always seems like a good idea but within
minutes of giving in there is a price to pay. Some things have minor
consequences. I may gain a pound or two when I indulge in gluttony. But if
I drink too much and cause a fatal accident or if I give in to a marital
indiscretion and betray my marital vow in a moment of passion, I can never
take that back.
So how do we avoid temptation? I have three suggestions. First, call on
God when you are tempted. That's what Jesus did in the wilderness and we
can learn from that. He was strengthened by being close to God and his
Word.
Second, find a friend. I believe this is one of the major reasons Christ
established the church. You can find support and encouragement in the
company of believers. There is strength in numbers.
Finally, stop and think about the consequences. Slow down the
experience. Ask yourself what will happen if you give in. Try to remember
past experiences.
I can honestly say that my experience with the brownie last night will help
me next time. But I'll still have to work at it. That is human nature. We will
always have temptations. God wants us to be strong and He will help us
overcome them so that we might truly enjoy the blessings He has for us.
God bless! See you in church. Cal.
August 12, 2009
I didn't intend to do it. It always happens that way, doesn't it? I stopped to
get gas and I did it when I went in to pay. I did it without thinking. That
animal part of my brain took over and I couldn't control myself.
It looked so good. I just glanced to the left and noticed the peanut butter
cup brownie flaunting itself there in the display case. I wasn't really hungry.
I had no intention of getting something to eat. Without thinking I just
reached out and took it. I paid for it and headed out to the car.
I wasn't even a half mile down the road and it was gone. I didn't eat it. I
inhaled it. It was good. Well, at least the first few bites were good. I don't
remember much after that. It all became a blur and then it turned into regret.
The problem with giving in to temptation is the fact that the treat never
quite lives up to the expectation. As a matter of fact, I felt a little sick to my
stomach ten minutes later.
That is the way it is with sin. It always seems like a good idea but within
minutes of giving in there is a price to pay. Some things have minor
consequences. I may gain a pound or two when I indulge in gluttony. But if
I drink too much and cause a fatal accident or if I give in to a marital
indiscretion and betray my marital vow in a moment of passion, I can never
take that back.
So how do we avoid temptation? I have three suggestions. First, call on
God when you are tempted. That's what Jesus did in the wilderness and we
can learn from that. He was strengthened by being close to God and his
Word.
Second, find a friend. I believe this is one of the major reasons Christ
established the church. You can find support and encouragement in the
company of believers. There is strength in numbers.
Finally, stop and think about the consequences. Slow down the
experience. Ask yourself what will happen if you give in. Try to remember
past experiences.
I can honestly say that my experience with the brownie last night will help
me next time. But I'll still have to work at it. That is human nature. We will
always have temptations. God wants us to be strong and He will help us
overcome them so that we might truly enjoy the blessings He has for us.
God bless! See you in church. Cal.
Pastor Cal Lord writes these weekly epistles to
help us see God in every day things.
help us see God in every day things.
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