30/365: The Temptation

There are things we shouldn't do, but not all these things have immediate consequences. In fact, they probably would be gratifying...for the moment. But, in the end you realize that light at the top of the stairs that looked so enticing, so dangerous, so fun, was really just a messy, empty, and lonely bedroom, and you find yourself feeling the same.

This is the nature of sin. Sometimes Satan likes to use the unknown and curiosity to get the best of us. We all fall into it, from the little things to the bigger things.

"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."
-Matthew 26:41

You start wondering what it may be like to have one more thing in your life, a little more money, a new relationship. At first it starts as something small, sometimes even innocent, but soon it affects your entire life and the people you surround yourself with. These actions lead us down the path of addiction, obsession, and guilt.

Satan loves this. Not only has he led you to believe that these things will bring you happiness, but the guilt and shame that comes with it makes you feel as though you can never be loved again, that not even your creator would forgive you. Then,our pride and Satan tells us that you can get your way of the sin trap on your own. There's no need to confide in anyone for help. If you do, you're either seen as weak, stupid, dirty or damaged.

Proverbs 16:18 says, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall."

Here's the thing. As I told 6 beautiful young ladies tonight, there's NOTHING too bad for Christ's forgiveness, and as the body of Christ we should be willing to love others when they open their hearts to us, become transparent, and vulnerable.

I love this quote by Jerry Bridges:

"Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God's grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God's grace. "

My prayer is that you will accept the grace that God so freely offers to all who will receive it. I'm thankful that our God is a god of second chances.

-MK