Shiny Chains

When we were saved the Lord delivered us from the bondage of our sins, yet for most (okay all of us), within a few moments or days we had picked up and put back on one or more of those chains.

There is a particular chain that is on my mind, I won't get into what it actually is, perhaps you have one like it yourself. It's a very shiny chain to me. Twice I've been freed from bondage to this chain, yet there it was, all sparkly and shiny.

So, there it was, at a time when I should have been focusing on the Lord, my attention strayed to this shiny chain. The Lord reminded me, "I've released you from that chain, let it go."

"Oh, sorry, I didn't realize that I'd picked it up! Praise Your Holy Name!" I said as I set it back down for a moment.

"You really should turn your attention to something else." The thought occurred, warning me.

"Yes, but it is a particularly shiny chain."

"It wouldn't be tempting if it didn't seem attractive on the outside, but you know how destructive it is. And you have only the vaguest clue of how putting that chain back on might limit you."

"Yes, but I wonder if it still fits."

"He was wounded for our transgressions, He bore our sins on His body on the tree. (Isaiah 53:5, 1 Peter 2:24) Would you add to this?"

"No, but ..."

"You know it is a sin, it is a willful act of disobedience for you to put that back on."

"Yes, but maybe if I put on like so, but not quite..." Click.
"Father! What have I done! Forgive me!" I cried as I lifted the newly attached chain to the Lord.

"You are forgiven, however I love you too much to not let you suffer the consequences of your choice. Like a child who burns his hand on a stove, if he could not feel the pain he would continue to burn himself. So, if and when I release you from your bondage to that particular sin you will have scars to remind you not to put it back on yet again."

Oh, and it hurts Him so much more than it does me.
Now I begin to understand Psalm 51.

Tag(s):temptation