April 17
April 17
Proverbs 9:17 (NASB) “Stolen water is sweet; And bread eaten in secret is pleasant.” 2 Peter 2:17-18 (NIV) 18 For they [those who follow the corrupt desire of the flesh] mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of the flesh, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error. 19 They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for “people are slaves to whatever has mastered them.”
The itching started as a small irritation, but it soon spread until it dominated my thoughts. I had some cream that helped to reduce the itching, but it did not last. When the itching returned, I would find myself scratching without even thinking about it. Scratching felt so good, but I knew it would only make matters worse. I would wake in the night and begin scratching without truly realizing what I was doing. I would stop and say, “No! Stop scratching!” I would get better at resisting the urge, but the itching would still call out to me.
I have mentioned before that the Lord speaks to us in ways that we can understand. After feeling the relief that came with scratching, I stopped myself again, knowing it simply made matters worse. Then, I felt the Lord say, “That is the way sin operates.” The enemy lures us, just as he did Eve, by telling us how pleasant and satisfying sin is. At the time, we “enjoy” the flesh but, later, realize how destructive it can be. Nevertheless, that sin will call out to us, urging us to “scratch the itch.” When we do, it feels so good, but later the truth continues to warn us of the danger, causing us to regret our decision. Yet, the sin continues to call. No matter how hard I tried, I could not make myself stop scratching until I declared out loud, “No,” and sought the Lord’s help. We cannot overcome the lure of destructive behavior on our own. The flesh is weak, but the Spirit is strong. As we celebrate the resurrection of the Lord, we give thanks to Him Who sacrificed His life that we could be set free the bondage to sin. We also thank Him for the Holy Spirit Who strengthens us when we are weak.