24/06/2012 - THE RESPONSIBILITY OF SAYING “NO”

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My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.

Proverbs 1:10

Those who sin can be found everywhere and they will undoubtedly be used to get you out of the way of holiness. Their modus operandi is manifold, according to the unclean spirits that dwell in their hearts. For this reason, do not be fooled by any temptation, since the fate of those who surrender to evil will be eternal suffering. However, if you have already fallen, run back to God and confess your sins in order to obtain forgiveness.

Beware of the rude language used by sinners because it corrupts and often makes us react in the same tone. Therefore, strive to never be at odds with the Scriptures. In a moment of senselessness, you can cause harm to someone used to attack you and thus cause a larger wound on yourself. Remember that many are in the path of error because they gave way to the enemy completely, so if you respond in kind, you will harm yourself likewise.

However, the most dangerous language is that full of false lowliness because the human spirit gets vulnerable by gentle words. A warm smile, a subtle touch, a gentle look or any other gesture of kindness can oftentimes be an arrow from hell, which becomes irresistible. So do not be fooled by tears, since even the crocodiles shed them before the attack. Also, never take your eyes off the Lord Jesus, as this will keep you from all evil.

As long as we are in this world we will have problems with the temptations, because the Lord has not done away with them yet. There is not one single servant of God whom the devil has not tempted, and unfortunately, many of them are influenced by his smooth talk, by easy opportunities as well as by arguments that seem irresistible.

Indeed, the Most High will allow temptations to come but, at the same time, He gives us the power to say no to them all. Thus, those who remain faithful will never experience any harm, but those who give in to greed – in all areas of life – will have a very sad end. So be steadfast when confronted with innuendos, snares and temptations of the devil, and always say \”no\” to whatever comes from him.

The secret to remaining holy and not engaging in what is wrong is but one: watching. There is nothing more powerful against any temptation than being grounded on the Scriptures. The evil one cannot resist those who resist him based on what is written in the Book of God. Thus, no weapon formed against you shall prosper (Isaiah 54.17).

Our way of escape is the teaching of Jesus, who instructed us to pray so as not to fall into temptation (Matthew 6:13, Luke 11:4). Undoubtedly, there is some evil attack lurking around you now, because the devil never stops using his potential. However, in any case, stand firm in fulfilling the commandment of the Master, because then you will not give the enemy a chance to overwhelm you. Jesus said that if He makes someone free, then this person shall be free indeed (John 8:36).

In Christ with love, 

R. R. Soares