It seems like every year there is some famous professional athlete, Hollywood star or politician involved in a scandal. Cable news, the tabloids and twitter often explode over battles between he said, she said. In the end, it takes two to tango, reaching a state where sin is consensual.
So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! – 1 Corinthians 10:12
From a spiritual perspective, every day if like walking through a room with multiple doors. On the way out, sometimes you might chose the wrong door, ending up in a bathroom or closet. When danger arrives on the scene, those who stick around to see what will happen might just be an accomplice to sin.
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13
According to the apostle Paul, God provides an emergency exit for every sort of temptation. This isn’t like the game show Let’s Make a Deal, having a choice between door number one, two or three. Rather, the Lord has provided every human being with a conscience to follow the way out. Conviction, guilt and uneasiness serve as a global positioning system to avoid evil.
But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. – James 1:14
Nonetheless, the moment freewill is exercised, opting to indulge your fantasies, sin is consensual. Instead of heeding the warning signs, enticement draws people toward temporary pleasures. One of Jesus’ disciples uses the analogy of a fish lured out of hiding toward an attractive bait. While some fish may see the attached hook, the grips of lust is too powerful. This is where desire trumps common sense, leading saints and sinners to do the unthinkable. The next time temptation calls your name, listen for God’s still small voice to find the way out of a difficult situation.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 