Author’s challenge: In the 1st image, which of these two is the poison apple? My answer is at the end of today’s post.
Heredity
Because of my spiritual family tree, I have an unfortunate condition; I’m addicted to poison apples. Succulent, crisp, sweet or tangy, this fruit haunts me. The first bite never disappoints. Juicy, delicious—and I take a second mouthful. When I am not indulging, I think about this tasty fruit often. Yet, in the back of my mind, I know the poison apples I crave are meant to destroy me.
I constantly battle with myself—my desire vs. my inner wisdom.
You know what I am talking about—you crave poison apples too. The Bible calls them temptations.
The Poison Apple Giver
As a young believer, I thought the devil only tempted Jesus three times in the wilderness. But both Mark and Luke give us a clearer picture. Check the Scripture; Satan bombarded Jesus with every “poison apple” he could think of, for 40 days.
The Devil was a relentless enemy.
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. (Luke 4:1-2 NIV)
Our Lord understands a truth we conveniently forget; our enemy is out to destroy us. So none of Satan’s temptations are ever harmless or minor.
Just a Tiny Drop of Poison
Each temptation contains only a little poison. The effect is minimal. But like arsenic, the poison slowly accumulates. One day, you tell a little white lie. It doesn’t hurt anyone and saves you embarrassment. So you tell another.
What’s the harm?
Soon personal dishonesty becomes a handy tool in your toolbox. Until one day the poison accumulates to toxic levels. Your lies start damaging key relationships. Trust evaporates. You repeatedly break promises to your family and lose your children’s respect. Cheat on your income tax and get penalized by the IRS. Lie to your doctor about an illegal drug habit and wake up in intensive care. Or lie while under oath and face perjury charges, with possible jail time.
False Advertising
Saying yes to any temptation is foolish. Munching poison apples frequently leads to grieving hearts and ruined lives. It’s meant to. Our enemy designed it that way. He’s the master of lies and false advertising. In contrast, Jesus is the master of redeeming lost souls and healing broken lives.
So, which master are you going to obey?
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10 NIV)
All images came from Pixabay.com.
Resources:
This re-written post has been published here with permission from the website Christian Devotions at christiandevotions.us. Click on the author’s tab and select ‘Maureen Puccini’ to read my other devotions on that site.
Which apple is poisoned?
Author’s Answer:
The dangerous apple isn’t the yellow apple at the bottom. Dried up, discolored and wizened, it’s an apple no one would eat.
Instead, the poison has been placed in the fresh, bright red apple, which looks so juicy and delicious.
