Matt came home from school with a note from his teacher. He had misbehaved in class and the teacher wanted his mother to know what he had done.
After reading the note his mother said, “Son, why did you trip James as he was walking to his desk?”
“It wasn’t my idea, Mom. It was Donald’s,” he responded quickly.
“Now, Matt, you know that Donald can’t make you do anything,” replied his mother.
“Well,” he said after a moment’s thought, “it must have been the devil that made me do it.”
“Son, shame on you. You know that when the devil tempts you, it is important to turn a deaf ear,” she admonished him.
He put one finger in his left ear and listened to the sound coming from the TV and shook his head. Then he put a finger in his right ear and listened to the sound once again. After a moment he looked up at his Mom and said smilingly, “Mom, I don’t have a deaf ear.”
Temptation comes at us from every direction all of the time. It could be something we see or hear or think we would enjoy eating. But James had the best way to end being tempted: “Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw close to God and God will draw close to you.” Such a simple solution that it is amusing! But it is neither simple nor amusing. Getting close to God takes time and the devil cleverly sets our priorities.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to take control of our time and our lives by “seeking first the Kingdom of God.” May each day begin with Your Word and prayer. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: James 4:7-8 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
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