Remember The Good

“Hath God forgotten to be gracious? hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies? Selah. And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High.” (Ps 77:9-10 AV)

Psalm seventy-seven must be the psalm of the habitual pessimist.  Prior to verse ten, the writer gives many reasons why he feels God has abandoned him.  He feels the LORD is not working in his life, not the life of Israel as He once did.  He feels there is no good news.  He questions God's love for His people.  He begins to wonder if the grace of God has run out.  The writer is distraught over what he sees.  Then he states an interesting observation.  He writes that the way he views life is his infirmity.  An infirmity is more than a one-time transgression.  In fact, an infirmity may not be a fault at all.  An infirmity is any condition short of perfect health.  This could be spiritual, physical, or emotional health.  An infirmity is usually an ongoing condition.  By using that word, the writer is admitting he struggles with pessimism.  He admits that when it comes to his mind, he tends to think of the negative rather than the positive.  He is the negative Ned who always sees the coming storm rather than the cool summer breeze blowing in his face.  He sees the empty shelves rather than the full pantry.  The pessimist is a killer of the zeal of others.  He cannot be optimistic.  What makes the above observation even worse is our writer projects his pessimism on God.  It would be one thing to see only the worst in God’s creation.  Sinful mankind has destroyed all that God made good.  But to project pessimism on the LORD takes negativity to a whole new and dangerous level.  What our writer does do is he will not allow his infirmity to dictate his life.  Rather than dwell on the negative and make it personal towards God, he changes his thinking.

A story is told of a small group of teenage campers who were lost in the vast wilderness of a national park.  They had gone on a camping trip with a couple of adult leaders.  These leaders took these boys off the beaten path into parts of the wilderness never touched by man.  Their trip was to last two weeks.  They had enough food to last about a third of that time and their plan was to catch and harvest their needs on their own.  They trapped and fished to meet their needs.  Their leaders taught them what was edible and what was poisonous.  Then tragedy struck.  While on a hike to a new site, the lead adult was bitten several times by a poison snake.  The other adult, coming to his rescue didn’t realize the severity of the situation and was bitten as well.  Within hours, both adult leaders were gone.  The boys knew they were in a pickle.  They had no idea where they were.  They never learned how to read a topo map.  In a panic, they began to hike in the direction from which they thought they had come.  What should have taken just a few days began to take a week.  When they were no closer to rescue and more time in the woods than they should have been, the reality of their situation began to sink in.  Along the way, they met with much adversity.  Not making a priority of water over shelter, they went two days before they found a source.  Having descended into a gorge, they quickly realized there was no quick way out.  They had to follow that gorge for over a day before they could get out.  Along the way, they had food shortages, water shortages, sprained muscles, cuts, bruises, and countless arguments.  But they made it through.  It took two months to finally figure out how to get back to civilization.  When asked how they managed to keep up good spirits and continue through the adversity, the eldest said that each night, regardless of what had happened that day, each boy would share something that happened that day to their advantage.  By dwelling on the good rather than the bad, they were able to stay united and with hope in their hearts.

Pessimism is a dangerous disease of the heart.  It is like a cancer that eats away at the soul.  It saps life.  It robs joy.  It darkens hope.  It strangles faith.  Pessimism is the seed of murmuring and complaining.  Pessimism is what lazy people do with their brains.  Pessimism relies solely on what is easily discerned.  It sees what is and what may be.  What pessimism cannot do is dwell on what cannot be seen.  Pessimism has a very short memory.  It forgets the great things of the past because the present seems dark.  It has a way of erasing all that is good because it refuses to see a balanced view of life.  Our writer is quick to share with us the cure for pessimism.  When he begins to feel things are bad and that God does not care, he recollects all that God did in the past.  He remembers as dark as today might be, there were times in the past when it was just as dark.  Yet God was faithful and got him through it.  The pessimist writer, rather than doubt God’s grace, rehearse it.  He remembers that one time in the life of his nation, they were in bondage and despitefully used.  He remembers they were on the brink of extinction several times, yet God met them and delivered them.  There were times of hopelessness, yet God was there.  His cure for pessimism was a good memory; remembering that no matter how he feels or what he thinks he is seeing, God has not changed and will come again.

Emptiness is Self-inflicted

“And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.” (1Jo 1:4 AV)

 There is much that comes from reading our Bibles.  We can be convicted of sin.  We can learn new truths or applications.  We can be challenged in steps of faith beyond our comfort zone.  The word of God is primarily the means of praise and glory for our God and creator.  The Bible teaches us about history.  It gives us a sense of purpose and meaning in life.  The scriptures reveal the future and give us hope of everlasting life.  There are passages of encouragement.  Some chapters bring sweet remembrance to our minds and hearts.  It is by the word of God the people of God enjoy fellowship one with another.  The word of God teaches of doctrine and truth.  Doctrine and truth upon which the saint can place his faith.  But John speaks of another purpose.  He speaks of the Bible as the source of fullness of joy.  Not just joyful, but a fullness of joy.  John tells us the word of God can fill us with so much joy that we cannot be more joyful.  If we are struggling with joy, it is most likely because our minds are not saturated with the word of God, or, we have ceased to place our faith in what is written as opposed to what we experience.

My grandparents went on a cruise almost forty years ago.  Not much has changed since then.  If I am not mistaken, they went on the Alaskan cruise.  When they returned, we all gathered around the projector and screen.  As grandpa and grandma shared all their pictures, we heard a great deal about what they saw.  In particular, they were impressed with the icebergs and whales.  I have had other friends and acquaintances go on cruises.  My wife’s aunt and uncle took Lisa’s grandmother on a cruise.  My son and his new wife honeymooned on a cruise.  There were classmates, church members, and all sorts of people taking cruises and I have heard many stories of a wonderful time.  Not one of them ever said they had a horrible experience.  Some were Alaskan cruises.  Some were trips to the Caribbean.  One of those cruises was the Bermuda cruise which is mostly water with only a hand full of ports-of-call.  However, of all the tales of day trips or sightseeing I have heard, or all the nightlife that was experienced, or the new friends people made, there seems to be one comment that came, no matter the experience.  To a ‘t’, every story included comments regarding the amount and variety of food onboard.  There was always some type of comment or discussion of the twenty-four-hour fully stocked buffets scattered throughout the ship.  It doesn’t matter what a guest might desire, it could be found anywhere on the ship.  Even if one’s appetite was more discerning than a buffet, no matter the desire, a special order could be sent to the kitchen and a five-star chef would prepare it.  One familiar statement of novice travelers would be, “If you went hungry on a cruise, it would be your own fault.”  The fare is meant to keep the guest full.  Full as one could be.

The word of God is meant to increase to the full our joy in the LORD.  This doesn’t mean we will not have sorrow.  Solomon is our reality check.  He tells us there is a time for that.  The apostles tell us regularly to be somber.  However, our hearts do not have to be an ‘either-or’ proposition.  Our hearts can entertain more than one emotion at the same time.  We can both sorrow and be full of joy.  At the passing of a loved one, we can sorrow at our loss but at the same time, rejoice they are in glory awaiting our attendance.  We can feel a sense of anxiety when asked of the LORD to take a step of faith but at the same time, excitement at what the LORD is about to do.  The human heart is an amazing thing.  It can feel two contrary emotions at the same time.  Therefore, if joy is one emotion that comes from the word of God, we should read it frequently so that our joy might be full.  John knows of what he speaks.  He was the closest of all disciples to our LORD.  Not even Paul could claim a closer relationship with God.  Why?  Because John made a habit of prayer and study of the scriptures second to none.  It was to John that Jesus gave the Revelation.  He had an insight that no one else had.  He saw things that only he saw. It was the revelation of God to him that made that joy, full.  And, it is God’s revelation of Himself to us that can accomplish the same.  Herein is the lesson.  Our joy is meant to be full.  Not partial.  Our joy is meant to be full to the brim and overflowing.  If it is meant to be so, then it also must be a possibility.

Old Dogs and New Tricks

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” (2Pe 3:18 AV)

This salutation by Peter at the end of his second letter is an encouragement to the brethren to continue in Christlikeness and love towards one another.  The first four words caught my attention.  In particular, the first two.  Two simple words imply so much.  The first word suggests it is not our normal existence to desire to grow.  The first word implies a contrary existence to growth.  The first word suggests we change course and go in a different direction.  Peter knows us well.  We do not like to grow.  We do not like to learn.  When we are young and have a world of opportunity before us, we like to learn and grow.  When we arrive at our life’s goals, then we tend to do just the opposite.  We tend to stick to our ways and do not look for growth opportunities.  The second word implies a change in areas that are not easy to change.  We do not oppose a change in areas that come easy.  I like to learn new things.  Things that are in areas in which I am already proficient.  Learning in areas in which I am not, it is hard to find motivation.  I’d rather stick with what I know and not stretch my abilities.  Peter suggests, at least in Christlikeness, that this is exactly what we should do.  An old dog needs to learn new tricks.  To cease to grow is to grow old.

My wife received a hydrangea plant a few years back from one of our church members.  My wife, however, runs a plant hospice program.  Our house is where plants come to die.  Not just those which need a lot of attention.  Even cactus comes to our house to pass to the other side.  Unto dust, they shall return.  So when she received the hydrangea plant, we were already looking for a place to bury it.  But low and behold, it survived its first winter in the house.  The next step was to transfer it outside.  So, we build a simple stone enclosure, filled it will potting soil, and gave that little bush a new home.  The first winter came and we knew the root system was not deep enough to withstand a harsh winter, so we piled mulched leaves on top.  Literally buried a foot high, this little bush survived its first winter in the elements.  Last year, I piled mulched leave on top, but instead of fighting to keep it buried, I only covered the root system and left the branches exposed.  The idea was to keep the root system from freezing while the branches were hardy enough to go through a winter.  We were partially right.  It appears half of the exposed plant died.  Those branches that bore blooms last year did not make it.  However, an amazing thing is happening with the remainder of the plant.  There are only three or four living branches.  But each stem has at least three or four new growths coming through.  The nature of the plant is to grow.  Life is that way.  Life is not meant to be a mere existence without any increase.  Life is meant to increase into more life.  This is Peter’s point.

It is amazing when one studies men and women of the Bible who have had second winds in their middle or later years.  Joshua and Caleb come to mind.  Isaiah is another.  Paul was called to preach well into his adult life when he was a widower.  Peter was called to preach after he was married and raised a family.  In fact, one could say the pattern of God for use of those in His service is to use the more mature and not less mature.  The key is a willingness to grow.  But we are not limiting this growth to service in the church of God.  Growth would include any area of our walk with God that could use attention.  Whether our growth would require more bible study, increased giving, or volunteering for things that need to be done, there are always ways we can grow.  If anything, we could always grow in the Christian graces of first Peter or the fruit of the Spirit of Galatians.  There is always room for growth.  “But grow” is an injunction to not settle for the status quo.  Peter is telling us old dogs can learn new tricks.  In fact, they must.  If not, old dogs will lie around and die.

The Most Important Ingredient

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” (Pr 4:7 AV)

Those first five words jumped right off the page this morning.  The Bible is filled with statements of absolute truth.  A succinct statement that is a foundation for many more truths.  This one, in particular, sums up the most necessary of all things to attain.  More than any other goal in life; more than any other possession of life;  more than anything else that can be attained; wisdom is the highest priority.  Wisdom is needed in order to know God.  Wisdom is needed in order to accept Christ.  Wisdom is needed for a life of blessing and happiness.  Wisdom is needed to avoid trouble.  Wisdom is indeed the principal thing.  Therefore, Solomon says, get it!  If we were to make a list of all those things or people we pursue and prioritize them, where would wisdom fall on that list?  It is not that these things are unimportant.  They are.  But when Solomon states that wisdom is the principal thing, he is not comparing it with another.  Wisdom is not ‘a’ principal thing.  It is ‘the’ principle thing.  Without wisdom, nothing else works.

As I sit here, my mind occasionally goes to pan-baked cornbread.  I love good cornbread.  I found a recipe for Famous Dave's pan-baked cornbread.  It is absolutely divine.  One might think that butter is the main ingredient.  It is not.  Butter can be substituted with shortening.  Another ingredient would be milk.  But milk can also be substituted.  There is vegetable oil.  I use olive oil instead.  Baking soda and baking powder are used.  But these also can be substituted for something else that would assist in the rising process.  Sugar can be swapped out for a different sweetener.  Salt can be replaced by a different herb or even a salty cheese.  Almost all ingredients can be replaced by something else and still be considered cornbread.  There is only one ingredient that is a must-have.  If it didn’t have this ingredient, the finished product could not be called cornbread.  It is the principal thing.  When I get a hankerin’ for Famous Dave’s cornbread, I scour the pantry to see if this one item is there.  If it is not, there won’t be any cornbread tonight.  I may have the 12-inch cast-iron pan.  I may have the all-purpose flour, milk, and eggs.  But if this one ingredient is not available, cornbread is impossible.  If we go shopping with cornbread on the menu, this one ingredient must be in the cart.  There is no substitute.  It must be a specific type or there is no cornbread.  There may be a couple of variations of this ingredient, but only one will make it true cornbread.  What is it?  Cornmeal, of course.  Not the self-rising kind.  Yuk.  Not the white cornmeal, either.  It must be coarse yellow cornmeal.  When one looks at the recipe, based purely on volume, cornmeal is not the most abundant of ingredients.  But it is the principal item to make the cornmeal what it is.  Delicious.

When Solomon says that wisdom is ‘the’ principal thing, he is not suggesting other things have equal billing.  He means just what he says.  There are things that cannot be pursued.  Like fear.  Fear is the beginning of wisdom.  Fear precedes wisdom.  But fear is not something that we can pursue.  It is an emotion given by God that the Holy Spirit enhances.  That is if we yield to it.  Acquisition of wisdom is something in which we proactively participate.  We read the word of God.  We yield to the ministry of the Holy Spirit.  We apply what we have read and learned.  In doing so, we learn more application of truth we already know.  We mature in our faith and walk.  This wisdom is the ingredient most important to our walk with God.  It is the principal thing.  The question arises, how important is it to us?  How far up on the list does it appear.  Is it somewhere below ambition, pleasure, or contentment?  Where does it lie?  Solomon says it should be number one.  Of all that we could be occupied with, attaining wisdom should be the highest of all objectives.

Of Humility, Love, and Prayer

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1Pe 5:6-7 AV)

Usually, we tend to split these two verses apart and teach truth from them which is still true.  Humility is always a good thing.  And Peter is especially right when he says that God rewards humility.  Verse seven is also used apart from verse six.  There is definitely a case for casting all that we are concerned with upon the throne of God because He loves us more than we could ever know.  However, not the colon that joins these two verses.  As we have stated before, the colon tells us that what follows expounds on what was stated.  In other words, humility and efficacious prayer are inseparably linked.  What stood out this morning is the relationship of humility with divine love.  If we are not apt to pray, it may be we are too proud to do so.  If we do not spend time in our prayer closets, it could be we are too independent.  Love has a strange way of mitigating pride.  The more love abounds, the less pride seems to be an issue.  The more two people care for one another and need one another’s companionship, the less pride has a way of standing in between.  The less we love or are loved, the less we need others.  This puts a strain on communication.  This pride of self-sufficiency is the enemy of relationships.  Particularly with the LORD.

The marriages that have really spoken to me are those where the spouses are so humble with one another they are like one person.  I know I have written of this couple before, but their relationship was something to behold.  When I had the privilege of knowing them, they were retired from work.  Jim Grove was a postman most of his life.  Chub Grove was a homemaker but sometimes worked as a secretary.  When they retired, they ran a grape pie business out of their house in a little village called Naples, NY.  Their home was the first one on the north end of town.  The north is from which most visitors would come.  Naples was a hopping place during the summer and fall months.  Grape pies would fly off the shelves.  Needless to say, Jim and Chub were very busy people.  One afternoon, after church, we were invited to their home for Sunday dinner.  It was here I was able to see two people who loved one another very much interact.  It was such a testimony to me in my early married life that I believe the example they set in front of young eyes would shape my relationship with my lovely wife.  They shared the chore of entertaining company without one asking the other to do anything.  There was no need.  Each knew what needed to be done at the moment it needed to be done and did it.  They always spoke to one another with tremendous respect and delight.  There was never a kind word.  Never a word of correction or criticism.  Jim and Chub were one of the humblest couples I have ever known.  Their humility was a vulnerability founded upon mutual love and trust.  The more they loved one another, the more they trusted one another.  The more they trusted one another, the more they communicated.  The more they communicated, the more intimate their relationship.

The principle above the more we love the LORD the more we will pray to Him.  The more we pray to Him, the more vulnerable we will allow ourselves to be.  The more vulnerable we allow ourselves to be, the more God can show just how much He cares for us.  There is a relationship between humility, love, and intimacy.  If we do not have the first two, the last is not very deep.  If we wish to grow in heart and mind closer and closer to the heart of God, it begins with humility.  To truly be intimate with Christ, we have to dissolve all self-reliance.  Independence must be surrendered.  Pride is what destroyed Satan.  Pride is what keeps people from trusting Christ.  And pride is still the greatest hindrance to an intimate relationship with the Father.   There is a promise above.  Peter assures us that if we humbly seek our God, then He will hear us and listen to that which we have in our hearts.  What we cannot do is divorce love from humility.  Are we humble before God?  Perhaps the reason is we do not love Him.  Do we not love Him.  Perhaps it is because pride still reigns in the heart.

Sharing Is Caring

“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” (1Pe 4:10 AV)

In context, the gift is charity and hospitality.  Either by the hands of others or directly from God.  Ultimately, rather directly by the hand of God, or by the ministry of the saints, either way, charity, and hospitality are a grace of God.  Let us note in particular the word, stewards.  We are not consumers of God’s grace.  We are stewards.  Stewards maintain and invest.  Their responsibility towards the Master is to increase that which was assigned to them.  Like the servants who were given talents and told to occupy until the master returns, two of the three invested that which was given to them that an increase might be placed at the master's feet.  A steward does not hoard.  A steward realizes what he has does not completely belong to him.  It is on loan from the master with the intent of using that which was loaned for the benefit of the master.  Therefore, charity and hospitality are not given for our consumption.  They are given that we might return unto others that which God has given to us.  Charity begins with the gospel.  Our relationship with Christ should be shared with those who do not know Him.  Our lives are a charitable gift from God.  All the material things of life come from God’s charity.  Relationships that come by hospitality are from the grace of God.  In other words, all that we have and are come from a gracious God and are meant as means to invest in the lives of others.

There is a cute commercial with two young girls who are sitting on the floor.  Between them is a plate with several chocolate bars on it.  The commercial is for a particular bite-size chocolate bar.  The point of the commercial is to give an impression these classic chocolate bars are irresistible.  These treats have been around for over a century.  They are very well known.  As they sit, the announcer is having a conversation with these two young ladies.  He makes a game out of these treats.  There is a competition between the two as to who will enjoy the treats.  The announcer places a condition on the ability to take a treat from the plate and enjoy it.  The first condition is a race as to who is the fastest.  Then the announcer begins to place conditions that only one of the two can meet.  Such conditions as the oldest, or tallest, or the one with certain hair or eye color.  This continues until there is only one candy bar left.  The announcer says, “If you like to share, then take the candy bar.”  Both girls grab for it.  Obviously, only one of them is successful.  There is a pause.  As this winner of the last treat begins to ponder exactly what it was the announcer suggested.  You can see her little wheels turn.  He said the one who can share can take the last bar.  The dramatic pause grows a bit more intense as the possessor of the prize looks at her fellow competitor.  Then, as one might suspect, the champion reaches across and hands the last bar to her friend.  What she had gotten by the charity of the announcer, she shared with her closest friend.

We are not permitted to be an island unto ourselves.  Our lives are not given that we might consume them for our own pleasure.  Jesus Chris saved us, in part, that we might share His love with any and all who desire it.  We are not taught the word of God so that we can sit on it.  We are not preached to so that all which the Spirit accomplishes remains with self.  The hospitality shown by the friendship of others is meant to be shared with others.  We are truly blessed.  The LORD has bestowed the goodness of His benevolence on the children of me.  The riches of Christ are simply too numerous to keep to ourselves.  One truth that I have noticed is the more we share or invest, the more we realize in return.  The more we share the gospel with others, the more Jesus blesses us with the pleasure of knowing lives have been changed.  Sharing what God has given by grace often results in others sharing with us.  Stewardship is investment.  Investment has returns.  The more we invest what God has given us by grace, the more we are blessed.  The more we invest in others, the more the LORD enjoys the fruit of our labors.  Therefore, share with others the goodness of the LORD which He has so bountifully given to you.  Not merely material things.  Rather, the fruit of the Spirit is given in Galatians chapter five.  Give what He has given and it will return one-hundredfold in this life and in the next.

Returned Vexation

“Vex the Midianites, and smite them: For they vex you with their wiles, wherewith they have beguiled you in the matter of Peor, and in the matter of Cozbi, the daughter of a prince of Midian, their sister, which was slain in the day of the plague for Peor’s sake.” (Nu 25:17-18 AV)

The Midianites were a pagan nation that attempted to conquer Israel culturally rather than physically.  Balak, the king of Moab wanted Balaam, a Gentile seer to curse Israel.  The LORD would not allow it.  Rather, Balaam blessed Israel at the mouth of the LORD.  What Balaam did do, however, was to show Balak how he could reduce the threat that was Israel.  All he had to do was to introduce the women of the world to them.  They would marry these pagan women and the women would steal their hearts away into pagan worship.  The men of Israel would begin to worship false gods because they loved their wives.  They would follow their wives rather than their wives follow them.  In time, the Jewish culture would be so watered down, that it would pose no more threat.  At the very least, the God of Israel would destroy them for their compromise and Israel would cease to be a success.  This plan began to work.  That is until a faithful priest intervened and offered sacrifice for the failure of the people.  The Midianites vexed the righteous souls of the Jewish men and they were told to return that same vexation.  We may not be called to physically deal with those who may entice us into sin, but the principle is still the same.  If we are to walk with God in obedience and faith, we must be willing to take vengeance on that which entices us into filth and wickedness. 

This reminds me of the words of Paul in Romans chapter six.   “I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.” (Ro 6:19 KJB)  My wife and I are trying to lose some weight.  It is an ongoing battle because sweets are so alluring.  However, even our failures work to a strength.  The more we fail, the more resolve we have towards those things that are not good for us.  Yesterday, we did some grocery shopping.  I have noticed that right next to the vegetable section is the baked goods department.  I noticed this seems to be a common theme in many grocery stores.  We are faced with what is very good for us as we enter the store.  Then we are slammed with what is not so good for us.  I have also noticed a changing attitude towards those baked goods.  Before we were on a diet, they looked rather enticing.  An item or two may have ended up in our cart.  Now, our attitude has completely changed.  When we see those things, there is a feeling of animosity towards them.  No longer do we see donuts as a must-have.  We see them as an enemy.  I see the salad and vegetables as extremely satisfying.  The cookies and cakes, not so much.  Years ago, we went on a Weightwatchers diet.  We cut out all fast food.  We didn’t eat it for months.  Perhaps even a whole year.  I can still remember the place we went to when that fast was broken.  We went to a McDonald's in Waukegan, IL.  I can remember where I sat.  I can remember what I was looking at.  Why?  Because I realized just how much grease and fat was in my meal.  It tasted awful.  If it wasn’t for all the salt, I may have thrown it away.

The above Old Testament account is a good picture of the changed attitude the saint should have towards that which vexes our righteous souls.  If the TV is our problem, toss it.  If our phones are the portal that brings filth into our minds, then install a morality filter.  If going to certain places brings to mind thoughts that do not belong, then vow to never return.  The is more than just a decision not to indulge.  What Paul is trying to tell us and what the account above relays, is more than mere avoidance.  To overcome sin, there must be a change of attitude about it.  It is not enough to incorporate practical steps to live a life of righteousness.  Without an attitude change, sin returns.  There must be a return vexation.  That which vexes you must not be vexed.  That which causes you to fall must be seen as an enemy of holiness.  There is no victory unless the heart is changed.  The will can be adapted.  It can be disciplined.  But without the harmony of the heart to accompany the disciplined heart, sin lies at the door.  There has to be an ‘unwelcome’ mat placed at the door of our hearts.  We must barricade the heart against all threats to righteousness.  And when we see temptation pass by the door, there must be a change of heart that sees that temptation for what it is.  It is a threat to our walk with God in righteousness and faith.