Christian Living

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No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. {1 Corinthians 10:13}

As I got into my car the other day, I noticed a huge brown stain on the carpet in the back seat. I immediately began thinking of what had been back there that may have spilled, but I could recall nothing. I contacted the dealer to inquire if they knew anything about it since they had just worked on the car that day. The answer I received was NOT what I was expecting - I just knew one of there "negligent" workers spilled coffee or something in my car; they would pay to have the carpet cleaned and that would be the end of it. But that's not exactly how the conversation went down. The young man told me it sounded like there was a leak in the drain for the sunroof. I "kindly" told him that wasn't possible because there was no drip coming from the roof. Then he patiently explained that sunroofs have drains that go through the frame of the car to let excess water out below the vehicle; over time a blockage in the drain will cause the water to seep up through the floor. It's amazing how this whole process was slowly worsening though I had no idea there was even a problem.

Note to self: NO SUNROOF in next car!!!

Isn't the same true in our lives? Often, we don't even recognize a problem until we have to deal with the consequences. Usually, our troubles are a result of a multitude of seemingly insignificant events and decisions poorly managed. We justify that lying to a friend was to protect his or her feelings; we only check our email while driving if we're waiting for something important; flirting a bit to pass the time in the office isn't cheating...we're just friends; just take a few packs of paper from work....we work hard....we deserve a "bonus"! But where does it end? When does it become too much? You didn't just lose a good friend overnight; the car accident wasn't the problem - it was the result of a problem; there was a chain of events that took place before adultery was actually committed; your file was probably full of disciplinary documentation before you were fired.....

When we begin to compromise our standards and beliefs, LEAKS are formed. Our society as a whole pushes the limits of acceptability further and further everyday. This world has become so desensitized to right and wrong that there are virtually NO BOUNDARIES; no standard of TRUTH!

Some people are too lazy to fix a leaky roof--then the house falls in. {Ecclesiastes 10:18 CEV}

As believers AND followers of Jesus Christ, we HAVE TO model the behavior of our Savior. Because He viewed everything with Godly focus, He was able to make Godly decisions. He didn't make excuses to do the wrong things. He made a way to do the right things. Luke 4 tells us He didn't give into temptation, He fought it with TRUTH from The Word of God. And verse 13 says.....When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came. So won't Satan be tempting us even more?!

Just as water takes the shape of its container, sin will take over your life if you let it.....don't give the devil a chance. {Ephesians 4:27CEV}

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. {Ephesians 6:10-18}

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