Persuasion

 

9/18/2020

 Hebrews 4:15 “For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.”

 Jesus was tempted, but did not sin because of the temptation. Satan was His tempter just as he is ours. The lies and hollow promises he makes are to lure us into doing that which we should not. Lies such as, “you’re not going to hurt anyone,” or, “it’s not a big deal,” or, “no one will ever know,” are just the kind of thing the destroyer uses to turn temptation into sin. Chambers writes, “Satan does not tempt us to do wrong things; he tempts us in order to make us lose what God has put into us by regeneration, viz., the possibility of being of value to God.” This is a proper way to look at the situation, as the evil one’s only goal is to pull us away from God. It is the classic image of an angel on one shoulder and the devil on the other whispering away in our ears.

 When I think of something in today’s society that is a temptation to almost everyone, it is technology. Whether it is the draw of a tablet, computer, phone, or television, the digital world’s attraction is undeniable. Is this in and of itself wrong? Certainly not, as there are many positive applications for these devices. There is, however, a dark underbelly to it as well, and not just the obvious ones of inappropriate images and language. There is also giving your mind and soul over, bowing to the digital god. Spending hours and hours on Facebook, YouTube, Amazon, or a hundred other things. Allowing the media to infiltrate your thinking. It is a slow boiling pot for sure, for no one starts out addicted to anything; it is a gradual process of acceptance. I wonder if there has ever been such a powerful tool for the evil one to tempt and distract us with. If we are not ardently focused on God’s will through prayer and His Holy Word, temptation will likely overtake us.

 I will experience temptation, but when it occurs, who will I listen to?