I received an email this past week from a reader that was really ministered to by this post from two years ago. She said that she has shared this message with several women and that it has helped herself and many others to avoid this pitfall in marriage.
Originally posted April 6, 2007:
Isn’t it cute? Don’t you just want to pick it up and snuggle it?
This lion cub is a metaphor for what sin can represent to us. It starts out seeming so sweet and cuddly and safe, but when it grows up- and it will- it can destroy us.
I have sat with a few different women who were involved in an adulterous affair or on the threshold of one. They would tell me how wonderful this relationship is, that it makes them feel so good and how could anything that feels so good be wrong?
Ladies, any time we are entertaining the thoughts of another man and how much we enjoy spending time with him and look for ways to connect with him- it is dangerous!We have to recognize that satan doesn’t come in like an attacking lion- he comes in like a sweet, wonderful, playful little lion cub. He says to us, “What harm could it do?”
John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. NIV
There’s nothing sweet about sin. It is bitter all the way to the grave.
Unforgiveness and gossip are just as dangerous. Our words can seem so harmless, but they can lead to bitterness which can harden our hearts and render us lifeless and devoid of the fruit of the Spirit; peace, love, joy…
Acts 8:23
For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin." NIV
1 Peter 5:8
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. NIV
Ladies, I woke up at 4 AM and this was stirring in my heart. I knew I was to share it with you. I pray that these images will stick with you and remind you of the fact that when the enemy is tempting you with sin that seems so sweet- it’s ultimate goal is to “grow up” and destroy your life.
Thankfully, we have a Savior that died to set us free- then He raised up from the grave and gave us victory over the sin that satan wants to hold us captive with!
Gal 5:1
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. NIV
Father, I pray that you would open our eyes to the traps that satan sets for us. Like Jesus Himself prayed, “keep us from temptation” and help us to walk in the freedom purchased for us at the cross. Lord, we desire to do Your will, give us wisdom and discernment in all situations. We love you Lord. In Jesus name we pray, amen.
10 comments:
Sue,Good job!I hope you have a very desirved Blessed Day!
I am thanking God right now for your faithfulness to that which He has called you Sue!
I have been married 31 years and the enemy does not stop trying to devour our unity. Just recently, I got upset over a little thing. An agreement we had painfully come to out of a disagreement we had about him doing this season of being a soccer referee (been one for 30 years) I wanted him to take a season off because we had so much going on. We came to an agreement that he would only take games on certain nights. This past week, he broke that agreement and it made me so mad, but what I did not realize is, I did not forgive, I let the sun go down on my anger. A little thing, you might think, but no, it snowballed into bitterness. Which the enemy was using to devour our unity and I saw it clearly today as I read this post. Thank you Lord, I am back on the right path of forgiveness, peace and unity! God Bless You Much Sue! Thank you for WHOSE you are!
This has been going on in dh's workplace recently, coming to a confrontational head yesterday. Dh is so sad and disappointed that the involved parties crossed that line and ventured down that path. If it hurts him, an outsider, I can only imagine the pain for those closest to the two people involved. :( I once heard a sermon about Satan trying to destroy a family through the father as head of the home. I would be interested in seeing a post on that, Sue, and what we as women can do to strengthen our dhs in that regard.
I think sin is entered into because we in some way think that God is holding out on us. For instance, a couple may enter into adultery because their needs aren't being met by their spouse at home. While the latter may be true, it's no excuse to enter into sin but a person may justify it by saying to themselves that the kind of marriage they're in isn't what God intended for their life. How could He let me/you down that way especially since I've been a faithful follower of His for so long. Surely I'm missing out on something better so if I'm happy how bad can it be. Which, of course, is just where the enemy wants us to be.
Amazing Post!
thank you for sharing :)
PS. I LOVE your blog design!!!
I heard this, this past weekend...."just two choices on the shelf, pleasing God or pleasing self!"
Anytime we choose self it's in no way going to turn out okay. Thanks for those ROARING images.
Wonderful post, Sue.
Bless you for addressing such an important issue.
My current WIP (third in Tyndale's Mercy Hospital Series) centers around the issues of adultery . . . forgiveness, and healing.
I absolutely love your input, thank you!!!
Sue
Sin really does start out so sweet and innocent. And at our weakest moments we can always count on the devil to be there ready to score. Buffeting ourselves daily as Paul tells us is so important. Great post! =O)
We must always guard our hearts! There is no such thing as innocent flirting!
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