But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. (KJV)
In the late 1960’s, in the early days of our marriage, I successfully applied to become a trainer at our firm’s training college in London. At the same time, I was attracted to a 12-week evening course at London Bible College (then based in London near Madame Tussauds) on the book of Romans. Unfortunately, the two did not coincide and I spent 12 weeks commuting from our home near Colchester to London. Despite feeling exhausted when I arrived home it was well worth the effort.
I often recall a story told by the excellent LBC lecturer to illustrate the text based on the KJV Bible.
A young lad was seen by his Mum preparing to go out with his pals and Mum asked, “Where are you going?” and he replied, “Down by the canal”. Mum responded, “Don’t go swimming then”. A few hours later, the son was seen approaching the house and hanging from one hand she saw his dripping wet swimming trunks. “I thought I told you not to go swimming?” she said, to which the response was, “I know”. “Mum continued, “Why did you take your trunks, then?” “Just in case I was tempted,” was the reply.
An old hymn, that I haven’t heard for many years states
Yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin
Each victory will help you or some others to win
Fight manfully onward, dark passions subdue
Look ever to Jesus and He’ll carry you through.
Notwithstanding the language of the text or the hymn, I feel the challenge is as great today, as in the days of my youth. The temptations may have changed, but the warning is still applicable. One current example follows the spell of very hot weather so that my lush green lawn is nearly Sahara brown. One of the many lawn experts recommended regular watering to avoid the more costly re-seeding. However, with the current exhortations to use water sparingly, should I water when it is dark? My neighbours would not be aware though my water company may, through modern technology know about it, but on reflection I am encouraged to wait for God to “sort it out” for me.
PRAYER: Based on Psalm 19:14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight