Fresh baking cookies seem to bring quite an effect on a household of five children. “Come to the kitchen,” they seem to beckon. “See if there be any batter left in the bowl,” it repeats in their brainwaves. “Cookie dough, cookie dough, cookie dough is calling!”
May as well plan on giving them a spoonful – much more peaceful that way it seems . . .
The aroma draws them!
Have you ever been around someone with a “winning personality?” Maybe it’s a smile of warmth or a “radiant face” that makes you hungry for whatever or Whomever they possess. Whatever the reason, you know you are drawn to that person. A dear friend of mine who has a wealth of wisdom – and the right kind of “winning personality” was once accused of being a “people magnet!” What draws them to her? She truly loves God, and truly loves people. She is genuinely concerned about them, and what is happening in their lives.
Our subconscious minds are powerful things. We are drawn to those we desire to be like – affected by who we hang around with, or what we allow into our minds, our hearts, and our lives.
King David reminds us that we also have the capability of being drawn into things that are not good – solicited in a moment when our guard is down to participate in something that is far from what God has in mind for us. In Psalm 141:3-4 he says, “Post a guard at my mouth, God, set a watch at the door of my lips. Don’t let me so much as dream of evil or thoughtlessly fall into bad company.”
See, there are “winning personalities” that are capable of drawing us into the wrong kinds of things. Perhaps they say they love God, but they constantly dabble around the edge – just to see how much they can get away with. They are “sort of” committed, but ask, “Really, can’t Christ just be a part of my life?”
There are also “winning personalities” who are not following God and His plan. They are enjoying a sinful lifestyle – “for a season” and their false sense of happiness causes people to stick around. Many times it becomes a web that draws someone closer and closer and then the enemy has engaged them into activities that certainly shouldn’t be allowed in a Christ-filled person’s lifestyle.
“Don’t let me so much as dream of evil or thoughtlessly fall into bad company . . .” (Psalm 141:4 The Message) What we dream about, think on, and who we associate with has a powerful impact on our lives.
The fact of the matter is that we are responsible to guard our heart. As long as we desire God first and foremost, He is able and willing to keep us from falling. Of course He is willing to pick up any truly repentant heart that has fallen and redeem them to Himself – but we can be KEPT by Him as well! (Jude 24)
We must learn to recognize the very hint of evil – and denounce it immediately. Our hearts are steadfast – we have given our WHOLE selves to God. We don’t want Him to be a “part” of our lives; we want Him to be very life! Until EVERYTHING revolves around HIM! Our will becomes one with His. We delight in Him so much – we see Him giving us the desires of our hearts.
We must learn to recognize the very hint – the first sweet smelling aroma when His Holy Spirit is bidding us come and meet in a quiet place. The hint of His voice speaking to our hearts. The hint of a new depth of love He wants to take us to.
“Run away from infantile indulgence. Run after mature righteousness – faith, love, peace – joining those who are in honest and serious prayer before God.” (II Timothy 2:22)
O God, help me be aware of the right kind of hints – and run accordingly! Away from evil – and toward righteousness – every time! In Jesus’ name, Amen
By: Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG
Take It With You
“Run away from infantile indulgence. Run after mature righteousness – faith, love, peace – joining those who are in honest and serious prayer before God.” (II Timothy 2:22)
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