 You’re walking in town, no big deal; you’ve taken this route a million times. You pass this pub everyday. You’ve never had a drink or even the desire to try it. This time though, a mean- looking bouncer stops you and asks…
“Why don’t you come in, just one drink?”
“No! I don’t drink, I’m saved”, you reply.
But he persists…
“Is it written in the Bible that ‘thou shalt not drink?”
“Not in those words but I know it would displease God if I did.”
“My friend, God will not be displeased. In fact, you shall be bolder to share the Gospel with drunken people since when they see you drunk they can identify with you. Isn’t that the principle of God becoming man so he can relate to us on our level?"
You have a chance to paint the last scene in this story: dismiss his warped theology and say a prayer as you walk away, laughing. What if you went in? Which particular statement would have defeated your resistance? That God wouldn’t be displeased? You will be like Christ? You’ll share the gospel more?
Genesis 3
1He (the serpent) said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’? 5 “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God knowing good and evil.” Was this offer really so enticing? Not to pass judgment on Eve but to analyze her action. Think about it: ‘Did God really say...’ was he suggesting she was misquoting God? ‘You will be like God…’ was she not already in God’s image and likeness? Ever heard of selling snow to the Eskimos or a ‘Bamba 50’ to someone on a Zain line! Seems like the enemy offered her what she already had but she bought it anyway!
The devil stood on the platform of her secret desires, insecurities and questions deep in her heart and used that to bring her down.
James 1:14.
…but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.
Do I have some of those? Something I contemplate at the back of my mind, way at the back. Private thoughts. Hidden from God. Nothing serious, I just wonder sometimes:
- I’m bored of salvation. I don’t want to go and sin like crazy but I just want to be free! Perhaps that’s why I struggle so much with sin. If I wasn’t saved, it wouldn’t be this bad.
- Why do I feel so guilty after kissing my boyfriend? Why can’t God just let me enjoy it? There are so many Christians doing much worse!
- More blessed to give than receive? Yeah right, I gave my last 20 bob in church today and walked home. No one ran to me with an envelope like in the pastor’s stories.
- No one recognizes my ministry. Give God ALL the glory. ALL? But I also worked! Why can’t I be recognized?
- I just genuinely fell out of love with my wife. Research has shown it can happen but I have to keep pretending. Who can I tell?
Some of these ideas are planted by the enemy but some are just human concerns. God understands. He knows it anyway. What if when God came to Eden in the cool of the day Eve had asked Him, “Did you really say we can’t eat of this tree? Why? But it looks so good! I want to be like You God. To be wise. To know everything.” The devil would have found nothing to hang on to.
How about if during Quiet Time, I don’t pretend to trust God while having a plan B. Instead I just say, “It’s hard to trust You. Increase my faith!” Perhaps then I would look forward to prayer because it would be real and relevant.
Genesis 3:1.
Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made.
Don’t underestimate any small doubts or questions in your soul. Big or small, bring them out and watch your relationship with God become more intimate. No, it’s not something you can handle by your own wisdom or knowledge. The devil is a master; he’s been at this too long for you not to be fooled. Humble yourself. Ask. Go ahead, Get Real, Ask.
About The Author: Njoki Phyllis has a passion for food, music, people and God (in reverse order of importance). » Post Comment
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