Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Matt 4:1 NIV
Because of my spiritual family tree, I have an unfortunate condition. I am addicted to poison apples. Succulent, crisp, sweet or tangy, this fruit haunts me. The first bite doesn’t disappoint. Juicy, delicious - and I take a second mouthful. When I am not indulging, I think about this delicious fruit often. Yet, in the back of my mind, I know these apples I crave are poisonous; meant to destroy me. I constantly battle with myself—my desires verses my inner wisdom.
You know what I am talking about—you crave poison apples too. The Bible calls them “temptations”.
During His time in the wilderness, Jesus treated every temptation, large and small, as deadly serious. He understood a truth we conveniently forget. Our enemy is out to destroy us. No temptation is ever harmless or minor.
Each temptation contains only a little poison. The effect is minimal. But like arsenic, the poison accumulates. One day, you tell a ‘little white lie’. It doesn’t hurt anyone. And it saves you embarrassment.
So you tell another. Where’s the harm?
Soon personal dishonesty becomes a tool in your toolbox. Until one day the poison accumulates to toxic levels. Your lies damage key relationships. Trust evaporates. You lose your children’s respect. You lie to the IRS and are penalized financially. You’re dishonest with your doctor about some drugs you take, and wake up in Intensive Care. You lie while under oath, and face perjury charges.
Over time sin always has horrible consequences.
Jesus knew the agony of temptation. Unlike us, Jesus wasn’t fooled. When tempted, our Lord perceived the poisoner’s true goals, and avoided his trap. In His flesh, He was tempted in the sames ways His followers were tempted. But Jesus also understood the importance of faithfulness and trust in the Father, and just as God stood by His son, He stands by us as well. Always providing a way out of the temptation.
Saying yes to any temptation is foolish. Munching poisoned apples frequently leads to grieving hearts, and ruined lives. It’s meant to. Our enemy designed it that way. He’s the master of false advertising.
As wise followers of Christ, be strong. Focus on the cross when temptations come and God will lead you through the darkness and into the light.
Photo courtesy of morguefile.com.
Maureen Hall Puccini started her writing career in June 2013, and has two devotions currently posted on the Christian Devotions website: “Damage Control” and “Ocean Currents.” She’s a Michigan transplant, who has lived in North Carolina for over twenty-five years. During the week, Maureen captures microscopic images of cells and tissues, seeing God’s creation in a unique way. Maureen and her husband Ralph are active leaders in their Vineyard church in Raleigh, North Carolina. Contact Maureen at mhpuccini@gmail.com.
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