When Satan entices us...

         Why does sin look so appealing? If doing the “right thing” is so right, then why do we struggle with it so much? In my humble opinion, we are far too easily satisfied. As human beings we have basic needs and we’ll do whatever it takes to meet those needs, whether it’s right or not. We are always seeking pleasure and although God promises eternal satisfaction through Him, we constantly return to the world to meet that need, which time and time again leaves us feeling empty and unfulfilled.

Whenever the first solution comes along, whether it is good for us or not, we jump at the chance to be filled by the satisfaction that it claims to give us.  I often feel like a victim to these empty promises that the world offers. I’m waiting and searching for something to satisfy and as soon as something presents itself, I take it. But I’m selling myself short and so are you. You deserve everything. All of these things that we are so desperately using to fill these voids that we have are just temporary fixes. I think we get so exhausted waiting for answers that we take the first solution that comes our way, but there’s no need to settle for less for fear of not being able to make the whole journey. God promises endurance to face every trial and tribulation that we’ll ever face. Nothing can faze us.

“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." -Isaiah 40:31

Let’s go back to my original question, why does sin look so appealing? A great analogy that Francis Chan uses is to think of ourselves as fish and Satan waiting to snatch us up with a hook. It seems silly but when you think of it, it makes so much sense. Think back to any fishing trip that you’ve been on, have you ever tried to catch a fish with just a hook. No, a fish won’t just bite on the hook by itself. It needs to be enticed, so you disguise the hook and cover it up with bait so that it will be more appealing to the fish and lure them in. The same is true with sin and Satan’s lies. He knows that we won’t go for the lie itself, so he makes them look more appealing to us. He disguises them with promises of wealth and pleasure and instant gratification, but underneath it all is misery and displeasure and hopelessness. 

The beauty of Francis Chan’s analogy is that it helped me see how damaging giving in to sin really is. Once we get hooked, we’re trapped and it’s hard to break free of Satan’s lies. But if we avoid temptation and don’t even nibble at the bait Satan throws at us, if we recognize the lures and false promises that Satan so commonly offers, we will begin to seek satisfaction in the only one who can give it.

 “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” -1 Corinthians 10:13

 “ For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” -Hebrews 2:18