As a boy,
I used to ride a go-cart that was steered with a rope. On one occasion, as I
propelled my way down the driveway, my parents’ warning came to mind: “Always
look up and down the street for cars.” But I rationalized: It’s okay not to
do that just this once. Then I heard the sound of screeching tires as a car
came to an abrupt stop to avoid hitting me. Thinking I could break my parents’
rule nearly cost me my life.
The Bible
has many examples of those who knew better but who chose to break God’s rules.
From boyhood, David had meditated on the law of God while he tended his sheep.
He knew that the seventh commandment condemned adultery, yet when he saw a
beautiful woman bathing he used his royal power to take the wife of Uriah for
his own. This sin
resulted in terrible consequences (2 Sam. 11–12).
The
psalmist wrote: “Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins” (Ps.
19:13). Have you felt tempted to do something “just this once” even though you
knew it was wrong? Glancing at Internet pornography, “borrowing” money from an
account at work, or stretching the truth may each seem like an isolated
activity but can lead to terrible consequences. With God’s help, turn from sin
and find His way of escape (1 Cor. 10:13).
Temptations will knock at
your door; don’t ask them to stay for dinner! (RBC)
