TURNING DEAF EARS

Roger was sent home from school with a note from his teacher. “Mrs. Arnold,” the note read, “your son was involved in an incident in the cafeteria today at noon. He and two other students took the food from another student’s tray and would not allow him to eat. He has been assigned a week of detention starting tomorrow.”

After reading the note to Roger, Mrs. Arnold said, “Son, why did you do such a thing?”

After a moment’s thought he replied, “Mom, the other guys asked me to help them, and I thought it would be fun!”

“Shame on you Roger,” said his mother. “When you are asked to do things that are wrong, you should turn a deaf ear.”

“But Mom,” he protested, “I don’t have a deaf ear.”

It is difficult to go through one day without being tempted by Satan to disobey God. He’s always there presenting one opportunity after another to get us to turn from the Lord and follow his invitation to break God’s laws. However, being tempted is not sin. Giving into a temptation to disobey God’s commandments is.

Perhaps we can describe temptation as Satan peeking into the keyhole of our heart trying to find a weak spot. He comes without any warning or notice and will only leave when asked. Resist him and he flees.

Prayer:  Alert us, Lord, to the subtleties of Satan when he begins to tempt us to follow him and turn from You rather than to worship You and obey Your Word. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today:  And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:25-31