When we moved into our house, the back fence was covered with beautiful, lush purple blooms!
Surprisingly, before the summer was over, the fence was laying on the ground, completely destroyed by the vine.
When the repair man came to fix the fence we learned that the destructive vine was wisteria. The fence had been destroyed by something that, on the surface, looked beautiful and desirable.
When in bloom, wisteria has breathtaking cascades of purple flowers. It’s easy to understand how it could be allowed to grow unchecked! There is no hint of how destructive the vine is beneath the surface beauty.
Satan presents sin the same way. If we were able to see the end of sin, we would not even be tempted at all. A master of deception, the father of all lies, satan portrays sin as glamorous, desirable and even profitable. He does not allow us to see the destructive end result of the indulgence, only the pretty flowers. (2 Corinthians 11:14)
Thankfully, we don’t have to be taken by satan’s traps; we know his schemes (2 Corinthians 2:11b) The scripture tells us openly and clearly how to recognize sin (Galatians 5:19-21). Even more, God shows us in his Word how to avoid sin (Romans 13:8-14).
We are all tempted; even Jesus was tempted, but was without sin (Matt. 4:1-11). Sin begins when we choose to accept the temptation. James 1:13-15 reveals that God does not tempt us; we are tempted when our own lusts lead us astray!
No matter how lovely, enticing and persuasive temptation is, God makes a way, through His Spirit, to avoid getting snared (I Corinthians 10:12-13).
James 1:2-4 reveals that enduring the test of temptation makes us strong. James 1:12 says that we are blessed when we persevere in our faith when tested and don’t give in.
Even if we DO stumble, God has made a way to get up, clean up and continue on (Proverbs 24:16, I John 1:9) It is only when we CHOOSE to continue in sin (Romans 6 {all} that we allow the sin to consume us, shutting off the light of Christ.
I Corinthians 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.