Daily Reflections, Saturday, December 8, 2007

Today's Scripture: Proverbs 4:13-15; Romans 13:14

Some people fall into temptation, but a great many make plans and jump in.

"Son," ordered a father, "Don’t swim in that canal."

"OK, Dad," he answered. But he came home carrying a wet bathing suit that evening.

"Where have you been?" demanded the father.

"Swimming in the canal," answered the boy. "Why did you?" he asked.

"Well, Dad," he explained, "I had my bathing suit with me and I couldn’t resist the temptation."

"Why did you take your bathing suit with you?" he further questioned.

"So I’d be prepared to swim, in case I was tempted," he replied.

Have you ever prayed to God about a sin with which you’re struggling? You struggle to resist your fleshly tendencies, but they always seem to get the upper hand.

You’re not alone. The Apostles personally struggled just as you do. Yet they understood the key to escape lies in the flight, rather than in the fight. Yes, we’re told in Scripture to fight the good fight of faith. But never even once are we instructed to fight sin and its author, the devil. Instead, we’re commanded to either resist him or flee. Let’s resolve to never provide occasion for sin.

Today's Quote:  The coward is not the person who runs at the sign of temptation, but he who lingers behind and yields to it.—C. Edwards