You Won’t Die
“You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.”
Genesis 3:4-5 (NLT)
Perhaps the most compelling tactic of Satan is to make us think that sin doesn’t affect us. Notice what he says: you won’t die. What Satan doesn’t want you to know is that although it's pleasurable in the moment, sin kills your heart and soul. Think about it: people wouldn’t engage in sin if it weren't enjoyable. However, Satan doesn’t want you to know that it will kill your heart for God. Your purity is where your power comes from.
I used to think I needed to be good so God would love me. The truth is that God loves you no matter what you do, but His power can only be experienced by those pure in heart. Those who are committed to chasing after Him, not perfectly, but wholeheartedly! This changed the way I viewed sin and pleasure. Sure, it offers something enticing, but like a diet filled with junk food, it leaves you miserable. The truth is that God already told them not to eat from the tree. They didn’t need to experience it. God isn’t trying to keep you from the greater thing. He is the greater thing.
Don’t settle for the blessings of God. Let your heart feast upon the blesser. Satan will always get you things—saying the worldly stuff is way better than the Jesus stuff, but deep down, you know that’s not true. So next time Satan comes and draws you towards something you know isn’t from God, don’t get caught up in feelings; remember the truth to understand these things bring death. It might feel good in the moment, but it’ll leave you empty and spiritually dead. If you have Jesus, you have a joy and life that nothing in this world can compete with, but Satan wants you to think there’s still more. This is a lie to kill you spiritually. Don’t let Him! Trust God!
Application: Sin looks fun, but it’s a miserable companion.
Prayer: Ask God to help you see the big picture of sin instead of the near-sighted things. Ask God to help you let go of feelings and emotions and trust Him! He is good!
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?