Sins Of The Flesh - The Tempted

1 John 2 :15-16 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world.

There are many bright, and many dark, spots in Cabo San Lucas. I do not single out Cabo for criticism, because the scene I will describe occurs everywhere on the face of the earth.  I recently vacationed in Cabo San Lucas with family and friends. The drama we witnessed played out at a popular eatery in Cabo. Several older North American men were seated at a table with several much younger Latin ladies. It was readily apparent that there was no family connection between the men and the women. And the whole scene was being supervised by a well dressed local gentlemen. There was much laughter after an awkward initial silence between the couples. The free flowing Coronas and tequila helped everyone loosen up. The dancing and table conversations became more intimate. A trio of wandering local musicians provided entertainment for the revelers. Midway through the evening two of the gentlemen had to step outside to take calls on their cell phones. Their conversations appeared to be with someone they were close to based on the mannerism displayed during the calls. It was a sad and depressing scene. It is also a sight played out too often when people give into temptation. The 1 John Chapter 2 passage above gives us a subtle reminder, and a not so subtle warning.  For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. We humans are frail, and easily tempted by sin. It is prudent for us to remember this human condition to help guard against the temptations of the flesh that are around us. Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. When we go running after the trappings & temptations of the world we are not one with the Father. We are making a choice to deliberately step away. And with each step, we risk falling into the other trap of sin. The trap of despair that we have sinned too much to be forgiven. Be careful to not fall into either trap. Satan has been catching people over time in these two finely crafted snares. We do not sin more so that grace may increase, and neither should we jump head first into temptation.

PRAYER: Almighty and loving God, we poor sinners all too often are tempted into sin. Help us to resist when tempted. And Father, help us to remember Your love and grace when we have sinned. Help us to remember to ask for that forgiveness You give. It is in Jesus' name we pray, Amen.