Temptation

Shepherd boy to king of Israel" - a success story.

His poetry is still enjoyed today. His military ideas of preemptive strike were centuries ahead. He established Jerusalem. His star’s on the Israeli flag. Harpist, hero and giant killer - David, son of Jesse what a man!

Spiritual? ... he was called "a man after God's own heart".

His predecessor, Saul was an example of how not to live. His reign failed miserably moving the son of Kish from "savior" to "suicide" in 2 decades. God’s rules are those of a loving Parent knowing what will harm us.

David was well-warned to resist temptation.

With shaking hand, crushed heart and eyes red with remorse he penned Psalm 51: "have mercy on me O God....my sin is always before me...I've done what is evil in Your sight... cleanse me.. create in me a pure heart O God".

The introduction to this psalm says "A psalm of David …after his adultery with Bathsheba."

How had it come to this? The "sweet singer of Israel" had fallen. What he'd hoped to conceal would be shouted from the rooftops.

It’s the story of every temptation. Kings, presidents and paupers, all of us have the same pipe dream of handling temptation: "If I just sin carefully I can stay in control. I'll be wicked and wily at the same time."

David neglected duty as commander in chief of the military to stay home. Watch for times of unsupervised idleness! Below his palace were the houses of soldiers who were away on service for their country. He lingered as he gazed on Captain Uriah's home and saw his lovely wife. Interest became desire and it changed into lust. Don't act so shocked! Most men however important, not to mention however spiritual, fight a life long battle with lust. It’s the down side of testosterone!

The battle reached its crucial moment. Adultery isn't only once the sex is over. Stealing isn't unreal till your hand grasps the money. To gain moral victory you must conquer such musings. These fantasies will be your undoing or your glory.

David dreamed of just one night with Bathsheba. His reverie never included pregnancy. When that was revealed he added a second chapter to the daydream. Captain Uriah was summoned. "He'll be home with Bathsheba and later we'll celebrate the birth of his next child." It never happened.

Face it - your chances of making life cooperate with your mental toying with temptation are slimmer than winning the lottery. Awake, before the dream swallows you!

King David this temptation wasn’t above what you could bear! God keeps it within your limitations.

David suffered horrendous consequences. His reputation was destroyed, his sons despised him, a son raped his half sister. Sorrow upon sorrow.

God forgives, oh how He delights to forgive and wash the guilt from the sincere, repentant heart, but God will not remove all the consequences.

Fornication can be forgiven, but virginity is lost.

The drunk driver can receive God’s pardon but the child killed in the accident…. You get the idea.

This is a game you can't win. There's only one thing to do – flee! More powerful people than you have been hewn down by pandering to temptation.

Are you at the desk of the oval office? Flee temptation when it enters.

Are you the preacher with your face on every TV? Don't give that fancy a second thought!

Are you a pope, a policeman or a politician? Run.

Did the boss's eyes linger on you that heady bit longer after the meeting? Don't even think about it.

The scene you script in your head is NOT the way it’s going happen. Temptation always has an ace up the sleeve.

It’s about the thoughts of your heart - keep it pure by meditating on what God says. God will keep you in perfect peace when your imagination is stayed upon Him. Your temptation struggle is common to humanity.

God allows temptation – but promises a way of escape. Taking that escape route is moral victory.

Temptation is like gym for character. Temptation isn’t sin.. it’s the yielding that’s the problem! Be strong. God promises never to forsake you.