One of the motivating forces for me to become a Bible Teacher was to warn high school students of the mistakes that I made when I was their age. Instead of using the expression of escaping the snares of the Devil, I regularly shared stories from my own life. Instead of giving students a license to sin by saying everybody does it, I revealed how you can overcome temptation as well as what happened when I stumbled and fell spiritually.
He must correct his opponents with courtesy and gentleness, in the hope that God may grant that they will repent and come to know the Truth [that they will perceive and recognize and become accurately acquainted with and acknowledge it], 26 And that they may come to their senses [and] escape out of the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him, [henceforth] to do His [God’s] will, 2 Timothy 2:25-26.
One of the requested stories that I shared with every class was my seat belt story. This parable illustrated what happens when you’re focused on God and when you’re not. I spent my first summer as a college student working as a Camp Counselor for a day camp five days a week. Over Thanksgiving break we had a camp reunion at a banquet hall. Before leaving, one of my counselors in training asked me for a ride home. This is where the story gets good.
Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [[f]in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour. 9 Withstand him; be firm in faith [against his onset—rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined], knowing that the same ([g]identical) sufferings are appointed to your brotherhood (the whole body of Christians) throughout the world, 1 Peter 5:8-9.
The Devil goes fishing every day, throwing out bait laced with addiction, bad habits and cravings. Once you take a bite, it’s only a matter of time before the Devil has you hooked. As for the ride home, this girl lived in a house with a long driveway. When I reached the back door, she said that her seat belt was stuck. Without a thought, I reached over to unlock her belt. Based upon the look on her face, I realized on my ride home this was just a ploy for me to kiss her. When your mind is focused on God, choosing the way out of temptation is unveiled, 1 Corinthians 10:13.
by Jay Mankus
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