Tricked

I don’t mind surprises, but I do mind being tricked or manipulated into doing something that I would not normally do.  There is an element of deceit to trickery. I don’t mind a good practical joke, but deceit and manipulation are altogether something different. Over the years of my life, I can recall a few times where I felt tricked or manipulated. I can now “smell it” or see it coming a long way off and prepare my defense.

The people of Israel were camped near the people of Moab. Some of the men made bad choices that set off a disturbing chain of events.  Check this out…

¹While the Israelites were camped at Acacia Grove, some of the men defiled themselves by having sexual relations with local Moabite women. ² These women invited them to attend sacrifices to their gods, so the Israelites feasted with them and worshiped the gods of Moab. ³ In this way, Israel joined in the worship of Baal of Peor, causing the Lord’s anger to blaze against his people. (Numbers 25:1-3 NLT)

My mom used to tell me that one sin would often lead to more. She also used to say that one lie led to another. Once these men started down that path, their sin became greater and destructive.  The Lord punished thousands of Israelite men because of their sin. The sexual sin led them into idolatry. I would also argue that sexual sin can also be idolatry.

I must check my choices carefully.

Accountability to another person can help tremendously with the daily choices I make and the places I go.  I think it’s also important to choose carefully who our friends and acquaintances are. We are influenced by them and we are associated with them and their behavior.

A person who walks wisely with the Lord is not easily tricked or seduced by the things of this world. I’ve seen godly people stumble and fall. I think the thing that disturbed me greatest is the lack of repentance after the fall. I need to be aware of just how attractive sin can be. I need to have a plan to combat the sin that seeks to entangle me. I also need to lay down my pride and recognize that I’m simply a sinful man who is saved by the grace of God.

I’m so thankful for His forgiveness, grace and mercy lavished on me. I don’t deserve it, and I’m thankful that I didn’t get what I deserved.  The devil is strong and influential to seduce and trick me. He never lets up. He never takes a break, but the Lord doesn’t either. He who is in me is greater than the tempter.

Pressing On!

Dwayne