Neutralize!!!

Friday, December 9th, 2011

Today's Passage: Joshua chapter 7
Memory Verse> Joshua 7:13

People live with deadly things everyday, and lately, our society has become so comfortable with the idea of "freedom" to do whatever we want that some just walk in utter stupidity. With all the technology and worldly knowledge, how can we NOT know that wild animals are not a good idea to have as pets? Even when caged, they have the potential to calculate when and how they will move in for the kill. They do NOT see humans as friends or benefactors, despite what these deluded individuals may think. On the contrary, they only see their next meal. Yet some go out of their way to put themselves in harm's way, thinking that somehow they are doing the Earth a favor by keeping them.

We've all seen end results of the tragedies that have occurred as a result of having ferocious animals too close to humans: one or another of these individuals ultimately loses life or limb. One crucial mistake that we also make, although we would never consider our spiritual circumstances similar to the one just described, is to see sin as HARMLESS. We create our own version of what could be a deadly experience when we allow sin to be part of our lives. Think about it: sin, like a young wild animal, starts out as a cute, cuddly, seemingly manageable situation. It lures one into thinking they're in control. At this point, there's no roar, no teeth, and no fangs. Where's the harm? All they're doing is talking, texting, or looking, right? The harm in it is clearly depicted in the word of God. In the book of James, God says when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. (James 1:15). Like wild animals, sin doesn't stay small and manageable for long. It tends to grow into this destructive beast. Not long after that, the beast strikes at its closest victim....the one who nurtured, fed, and raised it.

Finally, choose righteousness and peace as pets (if you will). For when they grow, the one who nurtured them will become mature people of God, seeking only to please Him not others. They won't win you the prize at the local "dog and pony" show, but they will win the heart of the Father, from whom blessing after blessing will come. No risk, no danger.....and no stinky clean-up!!! Yuck...

Prayer: Father, You have set a clear path for us by showing us how to expose and neutralize sin. And You've also given us the power to trust that You have a way out of everything that threatens to destroy us. Help us to choose Your way over every temptation so that we can bring You the glory You deserve. In Jesus' Name, Amen.