WHEN THE MOUSE GETS CAUGHT--
TEMPERANCE
Scripture Reading-- Genesis 39:1-12
T'was the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring but a fat, little mouse. Suddenly, the fat little mouse said, "I think that is the aroma of Eater Dan Extra Crunch Peanut Butter that I smell." The fat, little mouse began to follow his twitching nose until, oh my, there it was: a little scoop of Eater Dan, delicately smeared on a small metal-looking platter, placed upon a wooden platform. "This could be a trap," thought the little mouse, "and I have heard that they can really ruin your day, but who cares. A little bit can't hurt. Without hesitation, the mouse took a little mouse bite--SNAP! BANG! BOING! And so ends the story of Mighty Foolish Mouse.
Sounds a bit childish, doesn't it? However, "a little bit can't hurt: is probably the last thing a mouse thinks before taking that fatal bite. It's also the last thing to cross the minds of most people just before they yield to a sensual, sinful temptation. You see, a little bit may not only hurt you but also kill you. Just ask the little mouse.
Few words in the English language are more difficult to learn than the simple "no." The word may not have seven syllables or a three-line definition, but it's a word we often forget when we need it most. Saying "no" occurs when a Christian recognizes the presence of God and chooses to resist temptation with the help of the Lord.
When temptation knocks at the door of your life, depend on the Holy Spirit to enable you to refuse. The choice determines whether you will be victimized or victorious. As the anti-drug slogan says, "Just Say No!" The simple word "no" may keep you out of a trap that could cause much harm. It's a word you need to know not only how to spell but also how to use!
APPLICATION: What's an area where temptation is difficult for you to overcome?
--Tom Palmer--
No comments:
Post a Comment