I have this metaphor for giving in to temptation. I call it drinking sea water. People stranded at sea without freshwater sometimes become so thirsty that they drink the seawater around them. The result is that the salt dehydrates their bodies further, and causes delirium. So even though you are drinking something, it actually makes you thirstier, and crazy. And the more you drink the worse it gets.
That’s my experience with temptation. Whenever I’ve lost my temper, lusted after women with my eyes and mind, indulged in procrastination and laziness, or done whatever else I knew I shouldn’t do but wanted to do anyways, that’s always been the result. I’ve just wanted more, not less, of whatever I was sinning with, I lost all peace and connection with God, and I quite literally lose my right mind.
So why do I do it? Because I AM thirsty! My heart and soul want fulfillment, and they don’t have it. So they crave substitutes.
This week has been really cool, because I’ve been blessed to experience several times God providing me with what is Real. I’ve felt The Thirst, and I’m learning to listen to my craving and seek His Living Water.
I find it in Beauty
I find it in Worship
I find it in Gratitude
I find it in Acceptance, Forgiveness and Compassion. For myself and for others.
Tuesday I looked out at my porch and realized the tree in my planter was singing to its Creator. And I joined its song. As I write this, the trees and the rocks and the grass and all the rest of creation- they groan with us, but they also praise.
Who’d have thought that the plants outside and the sky were setting an example for me to follow?
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Now playing: Chris Tomlin – Enough
via FoxyTunes
