April 27 – Seduction of a Soul (Genesis 3:1-7)

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” (Proverbs 16:25)

IN WORD:
It doesn’t begin with a well-marked road map to our destruction. No, our departure from God’s path is a series of shady grays and mixed desires. The nuances of our temptations have a way of making the wrong decisions look right — even appealing. The seduction of a soul is a sensitive and subtle business.
That’s why a spiritual life without vigilance is incredibly irrational. If we are not watchful and well-guarded, we can be led step by tiny step into the snares of the enemy and the ways of the world. God never tells us simply to do what seems right at the time. What seems right and what is right are often two vastly different things.
The redeemed soul who has not yet learned the mind of God — been saturated with it, shaped into it, and trained to trust it — is in a dangerous place. Questions of the genuineness or security of our salvation are not the only issue; a child of God can be rendered practically fruitless if pulled by the allure of what seems right but isn’t. God has a greater desire for His children than the fact of their eternal salvation. It is a salvation that is to be lived and enjoyed now. The deception of false moralities and misplaced values can thoroughly undermine the experience of that salvation, if not its essence.

IN DEED:
The Christian will face many forks in the road throughout his or her life and often will not notice them. The main road — the broad, well-traveled path — seems like the right one. Everyone is on it, and the exits are often hard to see unless you’re looking for them.
So, look for them. Don’t be driven down the seemingly right path without asking hard questions about it. Understand the high call of the kingdom — that God has us do more than what’s right, more than what’s expected. Ask Him for His mind and open your and open your own to receive it. Let His Word cultivate a sharp discernment in your spirit. Never let yourself be seduced by anything but the good love of God.

“Every temptation leaves us better or worse; neutrality is impossible.” -Erwin Lutzer-