Psalms 34-7
In
my misfortune I called, the LORD heard and saved me from all distress.
You hear it as if someone is whispering –
“you need money, and that wallet contains a lot of money. Get it, and no one will know. Get it and buy yourself some food. Get it, for the owner has more!” Hearing this, are you committing sin
already? Of course not! But you are being tempted, by no other than
the devil. And being given the free
will, you can decide whether to ignore or give in to that temptation. And if should give in, then that is
committing sin. Giving in to temptation
to do something against the will of the Lord, that is sin.
Temptation is not deciding between doing
right or doing wrong. If our own lusts
draw us away and full-blown sin results, we have no one to blame but
ourselves. God tempts no man; we are
“tempted” because our hearts do not want God.
Our hearts either accept or reject God’s offer for freedom from
sin. If we accept Jesus as our Rescuer,
he does so instantly. Likewise, if we
reject this God-offer, darkness swallows us up immediately.
Adam stood at this crossroad before time
began. Jesus stood there, too, and time ceased for those who accept eternal
Life. The first Adam chose death; the last Adam—Jesus—chose God’s way, even
though it meant He had to suffer a horrible death despite His innocence. Our temptation is the same Temptation
experienced by Adam and Jesus. And, just
like Adam and Jesus, we enjoy the fruits of our choice: darkness or Light. We would all be tempted a million times in
our life. But do not be despair. Close your eyes and pray so God may give you
the strength to resist and the wisdom to choose what is right. That is choosing Light, that is choosing
salvation.
Almighty Father, how many times the riches
of this world, the temptations of pride, greed, envy, jealousy and lust have
dethroned you my God from my heart. I
sincerely repent of this insult to your Majesty. Through Your Son, Jesus, give me the grace to
be able to reject the things of this world, to detach myself from all that is
around me, and to cling strongly to your Spirit within me. I love you with all
my heart, with all my mind, with all my soul, with all my strength and with the
Spirit you have given me.
The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
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