Temptation

Just read this in an email I got from a friend:

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In October of 2005, The Associated Press ran an article "Study Backs Out of Sight Out of Mind Theory"

The study, led by Brian Wansink, involved placing candy jars of Hershey?s Kisses in close proximity to a select group of secretaries.

Some of the containers were clear while other containers were opaque. Additionally, some of the containers were placed on the secretaries? desks while other containers were placed six feet from their desk.

READY FOR THE RESULTS?

"Secretaries ate an average of 7.7 kisses each day when the candies were in clear containers on their desk; 4.6 when in opaque jar on the desk; 5.6 when in clear jars 6 feet away and 3.1 when in opaque jar 6 feet away."

The study went further. "Secretaries rated candy as more than twice as hard to resist when they could see and reach it than when they could not. They were twice as likely to say that they often thought of the chocolates or that the treats kept grabbing their attention if they visible and nearby. By contrast secretaries were twice as likely to say they forget the candy was around if it was hidden and distant."

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As I read that, I wondered how many young adults willingly place themselves in situations that are going to tempt them? If someone is struggling with an alcohol addiction, should she walk into a bar? If someone can't say no to sleeping with his girlfriend, should he be staying at her place late at night?

If you are human, chances are you have a weakness, and when temptation strikes, you can't say no. So what "opaque jars" are you putting in your life so that you can be freer from the temptation? And why are you keeping the "jars" on your "desk" at all?

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

A Church Quotes Satan...

I know ALL Scripture is God-breathed, but I still don't think I would put a Bible verse that is a quote of Satan on the home page of my church website!

The Art of Evangelism?

The American church is often accused of stealing from the the business world for their own gain. Looks like the business world is stealing from the church these days...

Guy Kawasaki's "The Art of Evangelism"

Integrity as Influence

I just read this article by Gordon MacDonald. I really liked it, because like Gordon, I hope to influence those outside of my "bandwidth" (unlike Gordon, I don't have 67 years of wisdom in me yet...).

But as I reflect on the article, I think the key to influencing anyone in any age group is to be a person of integrity (you act the same no matter what the circumstance), truthfulness, passion, and grace. I truly believe godly character, Christ-focused living, and people-centered actions transcend age.

What are you, as a young adult, doing to reach outside your "bandwidth"? Are you living beyond your own generation? And are you living as a person of integrity, which will encourage your elders to take you seriously and the generations behind you to think highly of you?

Keeping My Zipper Up

My son is moving into a new phase of life. He is embracing his "twoness" full force. Don't get me wrong - he's a GREAT kid, and I am so humbled to be his dad. He brings lots of smiles and laughs to our family.

But he is still all boy. And he is still very "2". And in his exploration of life, he pushes the envelope, even crossing the line of disobedience.

One of the simple acts of rebellion he has been engaging in is the removal of his pajamas while in bed. (I know that's a horribly grievous sin, but we're working on it with him.) To help him "obey" (and stay warm), we have started using a safety pin to keep the zipper in the upright closed position where little fingers can't move the zipper to the toes.

This morning I went in to S's room to get a very happy 2-year-old out of bed (and to keep him quiet so that his pregnant mommy could keep sleeping). As I entered the room, S triumphantly called out "Pajamas On!" (well, actually it was more like "djam djam ah!") He was announcing his obedience at keeping his zipper up and not being found naked. But of course he was still in his "djam djams"! I had safety pinned the zipper up last night to ensure his compliance!

Like Father Like Son
I think sometimes I can be a "two-year-old" when it comes to my relationship with my Heavenly Daddy. I do something like write a song, or preach a sermon, or give wise counsel to someone, and I start proudly thinking "Look how great I am, Father!"

But I've got it all wrong. Sure, I've done those things, and they are good things to do, but rather than get a big head about it, I should be humbled. It is God out of his grace who gave me the gifts and desires to write songs, or teach people, or serve my wife, or whatever it is I do in life that brings God glory. Rather than triumphantly shout when God enters my room "Look Daddy at what great things I've done!" I should be humbly saying, "thank you, Father, for giving me these talents and gifts to use for your glory."

So in your relationship to your Heavenly Daddy through Jesus Christ, are you trying to proudly let God (and others) know the great things you've done? Or are you humbly thanking Him for allowing you, out of his grace, to do these great things for His Kingdom and His reknown?