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)
