"Don't Be Fed By Temptation"
By Zach Wood
Galatians 5:16
So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify
the desires of the sinful nature.
Out of all the times I used to visit zoos when I was a kid, I very well
remember signs that read "Please Do Not Feed The Animals" on many of the
cages and fences. As I child, I would wonder why I couldn't. I always
wondered what would happen if I put food through the fence or hole of the
cage. Not only did the signs tell me not to feed the animals, the workers
and my parents told me as well. Not until I was older do I remember seeing
news casts on TV about kids and adults who were injured because they ignored
the signs and fed the animals, only to their horror of the aftermath of
doing so.
When I think of our life with Christ, I see temptations and sinful things
trying to make their way into our path and lifestyle. Satan tries to feed
us lies and make sin seem very appetizing. We, just like the animals, grab
the food and sometimes go completely crazy with the temptations we just took
in.
The Apostle Paul is very clear that we cannot live both by the Spirit of
God and by the sinful nature. If we want to have life by the Spirit, we
must make a serious effort to not take in the temptations that Satan throws
our way. We must be strong and steadfast, holding onto the very truth of
God. I find it amazing and sad how fast I can be drawn to the sinful nature
and not even realize what I am doing. The disguises Satan throws at me are
unbelievable. I am sure most of you feel the same way when you are
attacked.
If we truly desire to live by the Spirit, we will make a conscious effort
to do things in our day that will not make us easy prey with temptation. We
must be smart and keep God's Word in our hearts so we can be strong. If we
live by the Spirit, the desires of the sinful nature will grow on us less
and less. We simply cannot do it alone. We must allow God to guide us and
help us be strong.
My encouragement to you and to myself is "Don't Be Fed By Temptation".