"But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. (15) Then when desire is conceived, it gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death." James 1:14-15. NKJV
We need to be in charge of our desires, otherwise, there may be a time when we are enticed and commit sin. Things may tempt us, but our choice is to walk away or fall into the trap,
Back in the Garden, the serpent knew all of this when he began his lies, deceit and flattery with Eve. He confused her so much that she fell, and so did mankind. And yet, Adam, who was in charge of the Garden and Eve, stood by and allowed it to happen, even eating some of the fruit himself. He should have shouted to the serpent, 'Get out of my Garden.'
There are three aspects of temptation that can be seen in Genesis 3:6. Firstly they saw that the tree was good for food. Yet, they were not allowed to eat from this tree, only tend it. Sin always leads us to want what we are not allowed to have. Secondly, it was pleasant to the eye. Now this is one of the main reasons why people commit adultery, watch porn or possibly steal from others. It's the pull of the forbidden that creates the excitement and challenge.
Finally, it can be desirable to make one wise. Within most people, there is a desire to be wise and respected. It gives us power to have the ability to create and run a thriving business or to get that degree at Uni and land that once in a lifetime job. The ability to be successful, respected and rich can pull like a magnet.
The name of 'serpent' fits well here. Satan acts like a snake. He's cunning, crafty and shrewd. He has had a lot of practice and is only too pleased to oblige, given the chance. A serpent has four characteristics:
HE HAS A DEADLY TONGUE. It is full of flattery, lies deceit and disrespect - you name it. He can twist your words around and make them feel very convincing.
CRAWLS INTO SITUATIONS. He's never far away and ready to crawl into each and every situation, if he gets the chance to. Be aware, he will attack you if he can.
HE LIES IN WAIT. Like a snake lies and waits for the opportune moment, Satan does the same. He will bide his time until he can -
STRIKE AND BITE YOU. People who have been bitten, know how painful this can be. One of our dogs was bitten by an adder and he lost the use of his back legs within a very short time and had to go to the vet.
This is why we really need to watch and pray. The devil will attack you, especially when you're at your lowest. Stay alert; stay in the Word; stay away from his lies.
Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard
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