Nine Important Words, Part II

Today is the second part of "nine Important Words."

Death is easy

Prov. 14:12 (KJV) There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

The fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil looked appealing, but produced only death. Taking the easy way out always looks appealing in the beginning, but the fruit produced is always death. The hardest thing for King David to do when he saw Bathsheba was to resist what he desired. Yet, he pursued his desire, and the result was multiple deaths – David ordered that Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband, be sent to the front lines to be killed, in order that the adultery be covered up. When the baby was born, however, the Lord allowed the child to die as a consequence of their sin. Death is always the consequence when we choose to take the easy way out. The most dangerous state for a person is to be right in one’s own eyes. “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.” How do you respond when temptation comes? Do you look to escape for a temporary reprieve? You may experience a temporary euphoria, but when the feeling fades, you awaken, only to discover the spiritual carnage left in its wake. Developing discernment and spiritual discipline will only come through exercise. The Lord tests you in order that your discipline and discernment can be developed. When you are tested, do not retreat. Allow God to strengthen you and develop you into the person He desires you to be. Resist the temptation to ask “Why me, Lord?” Instead, thank Him that He chose you for such a time as this. To concentrate on the storm is to fall in the water. To concentrate on Jesus is to walk on the water. Look beyond the temptation of taking the easy way out, and consider that God knows exactly what you need to experience in order that you may produce life. The tree of the knowledge of good and evil will always be there. You must choose to take from the tree of life, that you may live.