A Little Sting
If you remember from a previous blog, if anyone reads this at all, I tend to think while I'm mowing. So, this past weekend I was mowing and thinking. I was in the process of moving one of those concrete "guards" that directs the water when it exits the gutter and I happened to bumped the gutter with it. No big deal but out of the corner of my eye I saw something fall. Glancing back at the spot I saw a red wasp wriggling in the grass and it was quickly trying to get its wits about it. On impulse without thinking, I stomped on it not once but 3 or 4 times for good measure. After watching it a couple of seconds to make sure it wouldn't be coming after me I returned to mowing. I hadn't taken 3 steps when the Holy Spirit stung my conscience with a couple of questions.
Why would you be so quick to kill the possibility of a little wasp sting, a temporary physical discomfort, but {on a spiritual level} when temptation comes you wrestle with it for minutes, hours and maybe even days?
Then, why do you accept the pain of sin or minimize the consequences when it sets in motion death at some level?
Lastly, what will it take for you to deal with temptation and sin quickly?
After being more than a little bugged at this line of questioning I had to stop for a moment, survey my heart, ask for forgiveness, repent and then set a new course for the future dealings with temptation. What will it take? We see the heart of God in Jesus on the cross and out of an empty tomb, right?
Use whatever little reminders that buzz in your ears and may sting now and then to move you closer to God's heart and plans for you. Whatever causes you to be consciously aware of God's presence more often in your day do it: make it a priority to spend time in private worship, Bible study, silence, prayer, mentoring/accountability, service, etc. Use daily things such as alarm clocks, doors, light switches, weather, nature etc. as reminders to think about God and God's attributes. Then, consider the consequences and deal quickly with temptation and sin, take those thoughts captive. Instead of a wasp there is a lion that is far more dangerous but he will be squashed in due time.