In our living room, beside the front window is a recliner/rocker. It's
a comfortable chair and a great place to just sit and think.
Every now and then I catch Genni the wonder dog in it. She knows she is
not allowed on the furniture but as soon as no one is looking up she goes.
She stays off the rest of the furniture but she loves that chair.
It is Genni's place to guard the house from when we're out. It's
comfortable and she has a clear view of the front of the house and the
street. We can see her in the chair when we come home, but by the time we get
to the front door she is there waiting for us.
Every now and then, we almost catch her in the chair when we're home.
She'll hear us coming, then we'll hear a thump as her feet hit the floor and
when we enter the room the chair is rocking and she's stretching nonchalantly
with an innocent look on her face.
She doesn't like the consequences of getting caught, but whenever she
thinks she can get away with it, she's on that chair. You see she doesn't
understand grace and forgiveness, she knows only the law and its
consequences. She knows she will get in trouble if we catch her on the chair,
but the appeal is too strong for her.
Our sin nature loves to sin. It's part of who we are. The only thing
that keeps most people in line is a fear of consequence. That's why we have
laws and penalties for lawbreakers. Even Christians have secret little sins
that they might consider doing if there were no consequences and no one would
ever find out.
Temptation wouldn't be attractive to us if there weren’t something
about sin that appealed to us. If we truly saw the ugliness of sin and not
just the consequences of getting caught, it would hold no appeal.
We all have sin that we can step out from and look nonchalant on a
moments notice, but would be mortified if confronted with.
Fortunately, when we accept Christ as Savior, His Spirit moves in and
gives us the ability to resist temptation.
It's God living in us that gives us the power to overcome the sin that
we enjoy so much. Turn to Him when you're facing temptation and the
consequences don't seem strong enough to turn you away from its draw.
When you've stumbled, take it to Him right away to be washed clean of
your sin.
Until next time, may Holy Spirit fill your heart and strengthen you to
resist the areas of temptation. May the love of God have more appeal than the
fear of consequences for you. May you be holy indeed!
Be blessed
Hallelu Yah (Praise God)!
Kevin
