Somebody is tempting me
The choice to sin is always ours!
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 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 1:12-15
Temptation is no simple subject to cover on a daily devotional. It requires serious introspection and honest disclosure. It has been almost a month since my previous devotional post because this topic could not be properly reflected upon and covered in one day. Too many daily distractions and responsibilities would prevent in-depth assessments to offer my thoughts on this "sinsitive" topic.
January 14th of 1984, under the Motown label, Kenneth "Rockwell" Gordy releases a single that featured guest vocals from Michael and Jermaine Jackson. It is called "Somebody`s Watching Me!" It was the idea of feeling like you were constantly being stalked. Despite all the different places the singer was, there was this ever pressing feeling that eyes were upon him.
In the last few decades, a serious thrust has been developed in the counseling/psychiatric world that puts other people and things in the sights of countless patients. Blame shifting has become a critical component in patient care and coping skills. Since the beginning of creation, this act of self-denial has doomed humanity:
He said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?" The man said, "The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate." Then the LORD God said to the woman, "What is this that you have done?" The woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate." ... Then the LORD said to Cain, "Where is Abel your brother?" He said, "I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?"Genesis 3:11-13 ... 4:9
Humanity`s oldest ancestors had struggled with the ability to be forthcoming on their poor decisions that had drastic consequences. They attempted to cover it up or, even worse, act like it never happened. All the indications were/are there to tell us to avoid those distractions leading us away:
- Why was there no other scriptural references before Genesis 3 of Adam and Eve talking to animals? That alone should have been the first hint that something was wrong. Especially given that the "talking snake" was near, if not next to, the forbidden fruit. That`s the second indication that this was going to be a poor decision.
- Cain watched how hard his brother worked and could have performed with the same intention. Instead, he mulled over his brothers success rather than choosing to apply the same level of effort.
- David knew that Bathsheba would be "conveniently exposed" on her rooftop because he was the first man made drone. His heart powered him to stay behind and stalk his prey rather than lead his men in battle.
- Judas had three (3) years of an intentional relationship with Jesus to realize that the Messiah was not going to be the next King Leonidas. But his heart contended to sell away humanity`s (including his) last Hope!
- What is constantly distracting you (and me) in the past and today? I think if some of past relationships and all the warning signs that were blaring for me! It was ten times louder than Gandalf`s dramatic declaration: "You shall not pass!" But I persisted. And if we are honest, we persisted.
Certainly, the Garden of Eden was large enough to avoid that forbidden fruit. But Adam and Eve kept lurking around it. If we are to be honest, we do the same thing. The temptation to sin is only convenient because we put the sin cart at arms length. We know all the triggers that will lead us to stumble but continue to leave a crafty path back to that sin.
The duality to seek honoring God and glorifying flesh is one of the most crucial elements of our faith walk that often gets ignored. We need the transparency of the Apostle Paul in this area of temptation:
For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.Romans 7:14-20
This passage, alone, rebukes the trend of blame-shifting. If the co-author of thirteen (13) books in the New Testament could be this honest, why not us? Is it the fear of the present day technology that allows information to be broadcasted at a click and swipe? We are we so fearful of letting people see the worst in us? Is any human interaction we have truly based on honesty when so much secrecy divides?
As stated earlier: "This is no easy topic!"
But it is something we must endeavor to tackle if we truly desire better and holy living. The passage in Romans 7 is not our free pass to immortality. It is a constant reminder of our depravity and hopeful gratitude in the Ministry of the Cross. Any Christian person dishonest enough to admit their own sin is nominal in their faith at best.
If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.1 John 1:10
The goal here is not for condemnation but redemption. Even redemption should not be seen so much as a "Get out of Hell Free Card" but a urgent plea to a restored relationship with God based on honesty and humility.
