October 10, 2007
I was in my teens and out hunting by myself for the first time. I had walked farther than I realized and the sun was setting when I turned back. I wasn't concerned about getting lost, I had walked down an old country road and simply had to walk back to get out to my truck.
I started back at a leisurely pace, enjoying the final rays of the setting sun. I hadn't gone far when darkness began to settle in. Up until then, I had been enjoying the color of the turning leaves, the smell of fresh outdoor air and the crisp feel of autumn.
As it got darker, I began to feel like the little boy who whistles going past the graveyard so he can convince himself he's not afraid. I think I might have even whistled for a bit. As it grew darker, my senses heightened and every rustle in the bush, every creak of a tree magnified itself in my mind.
Before long, my heart was pounding with self-generated fear. Wolves, bears and other unimaginable horrors were waiting for me just off the edge of the road. I broke into a run, and bolted as fast as I could to get off that road and out to the pavement.
A pheasant flushed out in front of me. I thought my heart was going to burst. A squirrel chattered as I ran by, it seemed to be laughing at me.
When I got out to the blacktop, caught my breath and collected my thoughts, I had to laugh at myself. I had been up and down that road many times and knew it was a safe place. I had simply let my imagination get the better of me.
Our minds are wonderful things. They can also be the breeding place for all kinds of things. In this case it was fear for no reason, but it can also be sin.
When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. James 1:13-15 NIV
We have a passing thought. That thought is simply temptation, it isn't sin. We begin to dwell on the thought and the sin builds. We begin to plan our rebellion and how we'll bring it about. Suddenly we've "slipped" into sin.
We need to be vigilant at all times. We need to take captive our thoughts.
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 NIV
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV
God is a God who forgives, but we still have a responsibility to take control of our own minds and actions (in His power).
Until next time, may your thoughts be of heavenly things and growing God's kingdom here on earth instead of fertile ground for fear and sin.
Be Blessed!
Darrel Mason