I have been wanting to post this for a few days now – avoiding it actually – but I can’t seem to let it go. I’m trusting it is for someone.
Friend, think long and hard before taking that bait. Consider the choice you are about to make twice, thrice, or as many times as needed before you step off the edge. Maybe even take out your magnifying glass and examine the road ahead.
It’s the enemy, you know, who is drawing you. And I can promise…. when calamity comes (and it will), he will be laughing, and you will have to endure the sound of his cackle. I don’t mean this in a literal sense. But if you have ever failed to heed a warning, you know the accuser has a way of mocking you.
The fix that seems so tasty right now – what is deafeningly alluring and promises to fill a hole in you that is so deep – will eventually bring bitterness to your mouth, heart, and life. The consequences will pain you, but the fact that you ignored the Holy Spirit and took the bait, will grieve you more deeply than you can possibly imagine. Your grieving will come through the fallout and the reality of sin or personal failure, yes. But the biggest sorrow will be because you chose to sin against God who loves you most.
When temptation comes, we typically know to flee, but our flesh says, “Stay. Just a little taste. One small bite. What harm could it do?” Like Eve we sometimes go so far as to think, “I mean, will I really die?” We know how that ended.
This is a nudge if temptation is knocking. God is loving, grace-filled and merciful. But He is also just and a one who allows consequences. He promises there is always a way out. Grab hold and make your grand exit. Make it now. You will be SO glad you did.
“Therefore, let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:12-13).
