Must Not, Must

What is it that you hold most dearly? Is it a relationship, a position, esteem, status, some indulgence, a belief, a pleasure? In the midst of Paul’s discourse on what is legal, permissive, beneficial or glorifying God, the Apostle Paul gives us three ‘nots’:

• we must not desire evil
• we must not indulge in sexual immorality
• we must not put Christ to the test

He gives an example of each and the consequences that followed all of which we would certainly find worthy of avoidance.

Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. ¹ 

With these examples, we are then encouraged to respond appropriately,

Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. ²

We are not without warning, a multitude of case studies of those who did not heed the wisdom of God and then suffered the consequences of their choices. Fortunately for those of us who want to learn from the record and not make the same fatal mistakes, we have a promise of God:

God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. ³

Have you had the experience yet of going through something that seemed beyond your ability, greater than you, only to then find yourself on the other side and not defeated? This is the experience mentioned as coming—the tempting common to man—that which comes to all of us at some time and in some way. Jesus warns that ‘in the world we will have tribulation but to take heart for He has overcome the world.’ ⁴

Have you learned yet that the LORD is faithful no matter what the appearance might be, that you will come through with Him even if you have to ‘endure’ the turmoil of not understanding the ‘why’ of this moment? Part of the pain could be your holding onto something that it would be best to let go of and let God be your fulfillment instead. Just maybe… what is it you hold to most tightly? And how tight is its hold on you?

Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. ⁵