How can this former procrastinator avoid falling prey to what I want in the moment instead of choosing what I want most? The seductive voices of the sofa, computer searches, and TV are strong. They promise relief, enjoyment, and benefit but NEVER produce the real thing. They tickle me with a brief moment’s pleasure and then throw me under the bus I knew was coming but tried to avoid. Deceitful lusts give no lasting satisfaction. They cost me more than I would’ve been willing to pay had I “known all.”
In order to stay on the path we want to be on, it is critical to recognize what things are particularly effective at drawing us away. (“Deceitful Lusts” September 19, 2016) For you, one thing, for me, maybe another. But for all of us, they are very appealing. They have the power to lure us away from our commitments.
To help me grasp the everydayness and treachery of deceitful lusts, I’d like a visual to help me – an emotional picture to help me resist tempting snares.
I’ve decided to view appealing diversions / deceitful lusts as a sweet little puppy sitting off my path – or in my path- when I’m “on assignment.” I turn and look. I stop. (Remember Eve?) He wriggles, wags his tail, and looks so happy to see me. “Awww‚Ķ. He’s so cute!” I pick him up, snuggle with him; he’s so warm and fluffy. Then he bites me.
And he’s rabid.
No antibiotic cream for this wound. I have to go through doctors and shots and suffering. I miss my special assignment and the blessings that would have come with it. Some exchange!
Just last week a friend in Bible study mentioned that she normally had quiet time with the Lord before anything else in her day. However, with recent news events she’d fallen prey to checking the news first. (“I can pray about it.”) She realized she’d strayed from focus on the Lord and was paying a price in several areas because of it. She said, “I am not allowed to check the news first. God can handle it. I am going to Him first.” She set a parameter for herself to help her stay on the path in pursuit of her God given destination.
I’m going to remember the cute wiggly puppy is always rabid. Would I choose to cuddle with a rabid dog and give up the blessings I could’ve had? I don’t have to “know all.” I can just be faithful to do what needs doing when it needs doing. Pass right on by that cute – rabid – puppy.
When have you given in to an appealing lure that bit you? Or resisted and enjoyed the blessing?
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