Turn Right
But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is full-grown gives birth to death. James 1:14-15 (NIV)
There have been many times in my life when I have heard the words: “All that glitters is not gold.” I have learned this lesson the hard way and I am still being taught. Isabella Campolattaro (Mornings with Jesus) has a great message to share.
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When we first visited Florida to figure out where to live, we stayed at a popular upscale hotel in West Palm Beach that had an amazingly low room rate. The hotel was a new high rise with a gorgeous resort-style pool. Several blocks from the beach, it was close to plenty of shopping and entertainment. I wondered why the price was so low but shook it off, thrilled with our bargain and the prospect of being surrounded by luxury.
The morning after we arrived, I set out for my early morning run. I stopped at the front desk to ask about a running route. The clerk’s eyes grew wide.
“Whatever you do, don’t turn left!” he said, explaining the hotel was in a dangerous part of town. The hotel was on the outskirts of a new gentrification effort still underway. Thus, the cheap rates were due to the risky surroundings.
Sin is a lot like that nice hotel in a bad part of town. It’s appealing and looks good. It starts out innocently enough, but like an unknowing jog in the wrong direction, it could lead to danger. I think of this whenever temptation strikes, which is mercifully not that often anymore. I know to “turn right” to stay safe and then surround myself with Jesus.
FAITH STEP: Be honest with yourself and with Jesus. Are you toying with a wrong turn that could lead you to disaster. Ask Jesus for a better route to safety.
Father God, thank You for protecting us and for Your voice of guidance. Help us to listen more attentively before we enter areas of danger. Teach us to trust You more and more. AMEN.