Some things in life are good woven...actually, woven bacon is the only thing that really comes to mind. But as of recent I've noticed more and more that Satan is excellent at weaving.
I remember as a youth experiencing a moment at church camp that I still vividly remember. I can't remember which leader did this-but as they were starting the lesson they picked up a bible and started flipping through it. Then, as we watched in shock, started ripping out pages. Not all, just a select few. He would flip through and quote 'For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.' (John 3:16) Yeah, I like that one. Flip again and quote 'Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.' (Colossians 3:5) Nah. I think that one is too hard, too strict-and he tore it out. His point was that the bible is not something in which you can pick and choose what you want to agree with and/or follow. You take it all or you don't.
How often do we live like that. In reality I feel like some days I could have a paper trail of scripture that I have laid by the waist side, walked on, spit on and ignored-all due to my selfishness. Yet still trying to hold on to his promises he has made-yet not hold myself accountable to follow all of his instructions.
This world is dark and lonely at times. But it is only what you make of it. If you fall to the excuse that this is just how things are now then you will be another stepping stone for Satan. Stand out. Stand strong. Fight against the new normal. The new normal is NOT normal. It is just a blanket of sin that Satan has conveniently woven over time to become thicker and thicker and we sometimes can't even see through it.
Matthew 6:22-23
22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy,your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
De-rail with me for a moment...Recently I have felt a bit of confusion towards the scripture as I've started in a womens bible study. It is a study wrapped around the covenant that God was instructing Moses to build. Now, my hiccup is weird, and I don't exactly know how to provide the best wording-but the more and more as I read scripture that involves God instructing us to worship and praise him the more I find myself fighting the feeling of being a little put off. Here I am mentally pulling apart the word of God, wanting to pick and choose what I like about it. I personally think it's the self-righteous feeling of 'who are you to tell me to bow down to you?' Even thinking it makes me feel bad, but if I'm not honest with myself I'm afraid Satan will make these doubts grow and grow to where I can't reasonably grasp them.
This is where I think I need to put some time into studying religion. I think maybe it would be beneficial to me to have more of an understanding of what I'm 'up against'-for the lack of better words. I don't feel like this is necessary out of curiosity, but with the initial doubt I find myself thinking how is this any different from any other religion in which you are to idolize a figure. I know in my heart it is different, but I feel like if my 'religious blade' is not sharp then I may be weak against the enemy. Lost yet? Yeah, so am I.
Okay, back on track. Matthew 6:22-23 says that if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be as such. This is so true I can't shout it loud enough. We are selfish, lustful, easily provoked sinners. If we are to have a daughter, I hope I can truly educate her on the importance of presenting yourself tastefully-not in a way to trip up other men and temp their eyes to wander. I still remember some sexual scenes from movies or late night TV that I was too young to decipher. This 'new normal' that we live in is full of body exploitation and an over acceptance of porn. Just last night while out to eat there was a commercial on that, oddly enough, was displaying a mans body in only underwear multiple different ways. Really? Take me back to middle school as I had to make myself look away because in my mind, the only male body I am to desire and gawk over is my husbands.
I have not read the book Fifty Shades of Grey-but I do think you do not have to read it to know what it's all about. It's in the news, on Facebook, a movie is being made for it-I have heard it described as 'mommy porn'. Now-again, I have not read it-but I do hope that there is a darn good story line nicely woven in between descriptive sex scenes in which people are using as their excuse. Yet, then again, it's just another excuse of this world. If I feel so strongly about not wanting my husband to view sexual images, why would it be acceptable for me to read sexual descriptions. Is our mind not just as strong as our eyes. You may show me a split second of something with my eyes, but it is my mind that takes hold of that and brings that sin up randomly throughout the day.
Sure, we watch some junk TV-Walking Dead is our vice and scares me everytime. One sin is no greater than another. A sin is a sin. But this soapbox is focusing on the sin of lust and how Satan has woven in lust amongst great story lines, normal advertisement, and even that trip that you are going on-no one will know you, so dress and act as you please-right? Sure, because the males and females there are made differently.....false. This is where I stand, and this is where it may change person to person-sometimes in my mind I would beg to differ on the last part when it comes to lust because we are all human and God has blessed us with being attracted to our spouses and to be able to enjoy that with.them.only.-BUT as for me, I know that I my noggin does not discard sexual immoralities as easily as I wish it would. I pray over my mind and it's thoughts-be it gossip, judgement, anger, patience or lust. I constantly find myself having to pray for God to help keep my mind holy.
Satan has woven a tight, false acceptance blanket over society and I want to fight against that. This world does not make that easy, but it is the choices that we make each day that will decide which way we will fall. I want to fall again and again into the Lords arms and be at home in his righteousness. Yet, sadly, I find myself falling into the overly comfortable blanket of sin, cushioned with excuses, that Satan has woven for us.
Caden, and future babies, you won't be babies forever. Your childhood goes by too quickly and before you know it temptation is knocking at your door. The forms it may take are endless. Guard your heart. Be willing to stand against the crowd and say no to things that will make your eyes unhealthy and ultimately fill you with darkness. It is okay to feel silly, odd and an outcast when you are protecting your heart. You need to do this. You need to stay pure for God, for yourself, for your spouse, as an example to your children, other believers and non-believers. It feels as if it's an uphill battle at times, but lucky for you, God is by your side and even more lucky for you-you can do all things through Christ whom strengthens you. (Philippians 4:13)
1 Timothy 4:12-'Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.'
Young or old-don't let Satan's woven creations get the best of you. Stand out and stand strong.
