Wildlife Advisory: Do Not View, Do Not Stop, Do Not Feed
On our way home from Whistler, Canada to Seattle, WA we passed by a warning sign just outside of the Whistler Village that says, “Wildlife Advisory: Do Not View, Do Not Stop, Do Not Feed” for the next 60 kilometers”. Just a few minutes after we passed by the sign we saw a bear cub on the side of the road. As we know it, whenever there is a bear cub mommy bear is just right around the corner.
Sixty kilometers after, we saw another sign that says exactly the same thing, ““Wildlife Advisory: Do Not View, Do Not Stop, Do Not Feed” for the next 60 kilometers”. We are 20 kilometers from Shannon Falls’ viewing deck which is our next stop. I asked my wife, “Do you still want to go Shannon Falls?” She replied, “No way, I don’t want to be eaten by the bears.”
This reminds me of what happened to King David when he fell to Bathsheba as recorded in 2 Samuel 11. Verse 3 says, “One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful.” What did he see? An innocent beautiful woman taking a bath naked. Two options that he could choose from: First, to stop looking at the naked woman and to continue walking without looking back; Second, to stop walking and kept staring on the woman while she’s taking a bath. Obviously he chose option number two. Not only that he stopped and stared at her for only God knows how long but he also fed on his lust. He inquired about her. Even though he learned that Bathsheba is a married woman it did not stop him from feeding his lust. He invited her not only to come to the palace but also in his bedroom. To cover up his act he decided to murder one of his loyal soldiers, Uriah the husband of Bathsheba.
Four things to do when facing temptations:
First, know and admit your weak points.
Don’t fool yourself in believing that you won’t get tempted this time around. Don’t think too highly of yourself just because you are a spiritually mature person that you cannot be tempted. Paul said, “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” (1 Corinthians 10:12)
Second, submit yourself to God
If you humble yourself before the Lord He is faithful to send His aid to help you out. James said it in chapter 4 verse 7 and Paul even seconded it in 1 Cor. 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
Third, resist the devil
Learn how to say, “NO!” especially on things that could momentarily gratify your present desires, lust and pride but could also lead you to destruction. As humans as we are, we all have our weak points where Satan could easily poke and tempt us to sin. In verse 7 of chapter 4, James strongly said, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you!” Say “NO!”
Fourth, take heed to the warning signs: “Do Not View, Do Not Stop, Do Not Feed”
Learn from King David’s mistake and demise. Do not be eaten by the devil.
Blessings to all.
Doods Sente
