The Erosion of Our Life

“Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God;’ for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.” James 1:13-16

It was your favorite summer vacation spot as a child. Today that familiar scene is altered. The beach finally has surrendered to years of pounding waves, leaving only scattered patches of sand, and the crabs have left for a better habitat. Erosion is a slow, steady, silent, but sure destroyer. In the spiritual realm it is just as deadly.

While we anticipate that our adversary will deliver a smashing blow, Satan carefully plots his strategy through seemingly insignificant tactics. Little by little, day by day, he deceives us into thinking and following his subtle lies until before long he establishes not just a beachhead but a stronghold in our lives.

Satan’s schemes usually are carried out over an extended period of time. He works methodically, ploddingly - realizing that we would be sure to recognize and reject his assault if it came suddenly and viciously. Rather, he plants a seed in our thoughts: “Who would notice if I took this book from the office?” Then we entertain the thought for awhile, eventually enjoying it and ultimately experiencing its bitter fruit.

“Sow a thought, reap an action. Sow and action, reap a habit. Sow a habit, reap a lifestyle. Sow a lifestyle, reap a destiny.” A harvest of sorrow comes from a grain of temptation.

We reap what we sow, more than we sow, later than we sow.