Tag Archives: storing up heavenly treasures

When the average America hears a title like Sin City, Las Vegas often comes to mind.  If a city prides itself on the motto, “whatever happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas,” its pretty apparent that this desert destination is endorsing an immoral and sinful life style.  In an age of instant information, you don’t have to live in Las Vegas to experience temptation.  According to Dr. Ed Murphy in his chapter entitled, “What is Happening to Me,” sin engages individuals on 3 levels. by their flesh, through the world and spiritually, Ephesians 2:2.  Murphy takes this one step further, claiming evil seduces people from within, externally and supernaturally, assaulting the human mind.

The apostle Paul in his letter to a teenager pastor, claimed to be the greatest sinner of all, 1 Timothy 1:15.  Romans 7 contains Paul’s personal struggle with his own flesh, resulting in numerous sins, hampered by an inability to do what is right, Romans 7:15-20.  In 2 Corinthians 12:7-8, Paul refers to either a physical ailment or spiritual attack on his own body.  Most Bible scholars believe Paul had a medical condition or an illness similar to colitis.  Meanwhile, a few, going out on a limb, think Paul was struggling with a fleshly addiction.  Either way, if one of the godliest leaders of all time could not contain his own flesh, then every Christ follower today will endure a similar battle.

Jeffrey Dahmer was a normal child until he began to study pictures in the Sears Catalog.  Like a sponge, his mind began to crave more images, leading to an addiction to pornography.  Present in almost every check out counter in America, the world fed this habit which would darken his heart and consume his soul.  The flesh combined with the temptations of the world persuaded Dahmer to indulge in shameful acts, Romans 1:24-27.  These conditions served as a catalyst to lead Jeffrey to become a serial killer.  Dr. James Dobson of Focus on the Family Ministries interviewed Dahmer before his execution on death row, revealing information the main stream media does not want to believe.

Unfortunately, the third and final attack on human being is the least known, unless of course you commit murder and want to claim insanity.  From my own experiences over the last 29 years trying to walk by faith, sin can play tricks on your mind.  When I have been closest to the Lord, God continued to expose the sin living in my life like the apostle Paul.  However, when I drift away from God, I am blinded, 2 Corinthians 4:4, thinking and telling others that I am doing fine!  Based upon trial and error, if you are on the verge of a spiritual break through, the devil will send as many demons as possible to stop you in your tracks.  Yet, if you are lukewarm in your faith, you are left alone, as your own flesh and the world keep you from being a real spiritual threat.  Thus, as you wrestle for control over your body, 1 Corinthians 9:26-27 and dodge the worldly idols around nearly every corner, Acts 17:16, dust off the armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes, Ephesians 6:11.  Remember this, whatever is stored up for heaven, will stay in heaven, Matthew 6:20.

by Jay Mankus