Temptation

We have all heard of temptation, but have you ever heard of Temptations® cat treats? Recently, I sent away for two of their "Snacky Mice" treat holders as a promotional, one for my cat Sweetheart, and one for her friend. I filled up both treat holders at the same time and left her friend's on the table. Sweetheart made short work of hers, and then, she disappeared. Later, I discovered her hiding under the bedcovers, where I let her stay. A few hours later, I figured that it was time that she came up for air. She headed to the kitchen, and meowed near the table. It didn't take long for me to realize why Sweetheart had gone into hiding. Not only had she been enticed into eating the other full treat holder that I had left on the table, but she also knew that she was forbidden to go on the table! Guilty on both counts!

This little escapade got me to thinking about Eve being tempted by Satan and eating the forbidden fruit in the garden. Adam also got involved in this deception. Like my cat, they then went into hiding from the presence of God.

Genesis 3:7-8 – Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings. And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. (NKJV)

Satan had enticed them into yielding to temptation, just as I had enticed my cat by leaving the treats on the table. It's hard to compare a cat's feelings and reasoning powers with those we human beings have, but nevertheless, she helped herself to something that was not meant for her, and she felt guilty. In this same manner, Adam and Eve helped themselves to the forbidden fruit.

We are all tempted by something or someone during our life here on earth — even Jesus was tempted. Being perfect God, He did not yield to temptation as He listened to His Father's instructions in Scripture. When we are tempted, do we listen to our Father's voice, or even to our conscience, or do we give into disobedience? Giving in leads to all sorts of troubles at times, whereas resisting temptation always leads to a blessing.

James 1:12-14 – Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. (NKJV)

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we pray to You from a sinful, hurting world, where temptations are many. It even seems that things are worse now than when Adam and Eve were enticed by Satan, fell into his trap, and hid from You in the garden. Lay it upon our hearts and consciences, Lord, not to be enticed by the evil in this world, and to show the strength that Jesus demonstrated when He did not fall prey to Satan's wiles. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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