This poster caught my attention.
Oscar Wilde said, ‘I can resist everything except temptation.’
Homo Sapiens, that is how we are called scientifically, the species of modern human beings.
No matter how modern we evolve, our subconscious still clings to the basic needs – temporal and spiritual. Temporal needs grab our utmost attention. Satiate the hunger…and the desire…for everything. That is why we strictly adhere and follow unwittingly (for some) Wilde’s description of resistance. If we can resist something, then admit it or not, we do NOT desire that something.
“ Each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.”- James 1:14
Nobody goes to hell with eyes closed. Hell is definitely symbolic – a classic description: fire, torment, pains, horror, etc…
Of course the process of going there has the ultimate adventure, the clash and crash and crass – the thrill of licking ones finger with relish. ‘Aha, I did it. I defied all conventions.’ With a smirk plastered on the face.
A very simple example: a diabetic takes a bottle of carbonated drink. ‘Just a sip…a bottle once in a while will do me no harm.’
As inherent in human nature, no matter how honest one is, there is a tendency that someone must be blamed for something gone wrong.
A boss accused of malversation blamed the subordinates.
A philandering husband caught by his wife blamed the other woman.
And when there is no one around nor circumstances warrant any, the devil IS blamed.
One guy accused of rape said, ‘the devil made me do it!’ Poor devil!
The devil just delivers a bait. Just like a carrot attached to a stick. With sugar for Molly in Animal Farm so she will join the revolution.
If the homo sapiens bite the very tempting bait – so tempting and irresistible because this modern man desires it, then the blame is on the individual biting the bait – the unchecked desires that made the bait so palatable lead the person to giving in to temptation and sin. Not the-devil-made-me-do-it syndrome.
Of course these faulty choices are done with just a little push from the devil.
When we sin, the blame lies within.
Only God’s grace maintains and sustains.
Have a nice weekend.
