Anyone who thinks they can accept an invitation to dance with the devil and walk away, with impunity, doesn't understand the infectious nature of voluntarily embracing evil. "The wages of sin is death...." (Rom.6:23), is not just referring to the final separation from God in the "second death" (Rom.20:14). It is also alluding to the fact that doing evil drains the physical and spiritual life out of one's mind and body. Sin kills people physically and mentally... even Christians. Whether it is promiscuity, addiction, stealing, drunkenness, hatred, lying and even gluttony, not the worst of sins, but with serious consequences. And, compounding the damage sin does to the body and mind, is the additional damage guilt, regret and worry over it, does to the entirety of a person. Volunteering for sin is volunteering for sickness, pain and death. We all sin, but repentance, to God, is the only remedy for relief and restoration. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.
What did Jesus do when He was tempted of the devil for 40 days and nights? He fasted, prayed to the Father and quoted scripture to the devil. That is a powerful formula for overcoming temptation. Jesus knows exactly how difficult is the allurement of sin, but He also knows how to overcome its devilish temptations.
"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." Heb.4:15. The Spirit of Christ dwells in us and will help us as we seek an escape from temptation by following Christ's example....
"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." 1 Cor.10:13.
Take the strength and comfort in God's word. With His help you can do it. RB
