Count the Cost, Part 2

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.”
Galatians 6:7-10

When the table of temptation is fully set and you are on the verge of rash indulgence, clear thinking is most needed. Since such occasions are usually marked by irrationality and unstable emotions, the time to internalize truth is before the crisis arrives.

Write these principles on the tablet of your heart now so that you may call them to mind when you stand at the edge of Satan’s snare:

Maximize the benefits of obedience as versus the consequences of evil. The pleasure gained from yielding to temptation is always momentary; the pains of regret are lasting and far more damaging than we ever thought. Obedience to God’s truth, while difficult in the heat of battle, always brings enduring reward. Would David have sinned with Bathsheba had he known the horrible results?

Realize that Satan tempts us by attacking us at our point of need. It is where you are weakest and most demanding that Satan will probe We must look to God to meet our needs in His way which is always the best way.

Think how your action will affect your relationship with God and with others. Joseph resisted Potiphar’s wife because he knew he would hurt his owner and, most importantly, “sin against God” (Gen. 39:8-9).

“Discretion will guard you, understanding will watch over you.” Proverbs 2:11