They come in all shapes, sizes and intensity. The innocuous thing about them is that they sneak up on us when we
least suspect them like carbon monoxide on the unsuspecting homeowner. Before we realize it, we are left gasping for air as the life is sucked right out of us!
King David experienced it on a day that began like all the others he had every lived (2 Samuel 11). He would go to sleep (if he could sleep) that night a changed man with a totally different future than he had when he woke up that day. And so does every one of us who yield to the tempting picture that sin paints for us without considering its deadly consequences.
David did not know that yielding to sin’s alluring proposition would result in the death of a trusted soldier or in the uncomfortable confrontation he had with a man of God who delivered God’s verdict on his passing, or even in the death of his son, all for a momentary pleasure with a woman who was not his wife. He did not know that his family would be saddled with the presence of the sword of judgement for the rest of their lives because he choose the momentary instead of the eternal.
But…neither do we! We think “just one more look” “just another click of the mouse”, we rationalize, “no one will get hurt after all this is my business and no one else needs to know.” Sin never ever presents itself in its complete regalia. No, it masquerades around presenting to us all the benefits of pleasure and personal priority. But…”I deserve this”, we mistakenly judge.
David did know better, he had watched his predecessor, Saul, destroy himself and his reign because he put himself before the necessity of obediently, humbly follow God’s clear instruction (1 Samuel 15). Yes, David should have known better. But once the flesh becomes engaged it is nigh on impossible to shut it off unless God provides a way of escape.
This is not a “game” that he was involved with, it was a choice between the now and the eternal. The Apostle Peter would write years later that the enemy of our soul is “roaring lion seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Lions don’t play with their food, they ravenously rip it to shreds with not one thought of mercy. The enemy of our souls is on a similar hunt. He wants to destroy you and your life. He will stop at nothing to accomplish that.
We have the benefit of reading the history of David’s sin and its effects on his life and that of others. I believe this story is included in the sacred text of Scripture (by the way, the Bible tells the truth about its heroes which in itself is an apologetic to the veracity of God’s Word) to teach us the danger of sin, the destruction that sin produces, and the defeat of sin. Second Samuel chapter 11 records the unfolding events of the progress, in chapter 12 we read of God’s gracious, gut-wrenching confrontation of the King of Israel.
It could be that before this day is out, you will be confronted with the incredible possibility to be involved with something or someone who will cause you to forget all about your relationship to God, your family, your church and your community. Listen, don’t do it! Those fleeting moments of pleasure can never be put back in the bottle again! Once you do it everything around you will begin to disintegrate just like it did for David.
I conclude with the promise that the Apostle Paul gave us for moments just like this one:
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
1 Corinthians 10:13
Whatever the shape, whatever the size and whatever the intensity, walk away, or if need be, run away from sin. Trust God that he has something way better in mind for you!
God bless,
Pastor Bill Finch
pastorbillfinch@gmail.com
In Times Like These 
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