Drawn to the Flame

 Have you ever set outside at night near a fire and watched all the insects swarm around the fire. Some fly too closely to the flames and are destroyed. They cannot help themselves. They are drawn to the flame by some irresistible force that compels them. 

The same is true of people. Both saved and lost people. We are all drawn to sin. The lure of our lust for sin is often so strong we feel we cannot resist. Even if we know those actions we engage in are harmful, we are still drawn to the flame. Even if we know better. Knowing the truth does not always persuade us to flee from sin. Many Christians fall into some sin daily. The consequences vary. Some sinful mistakes seem to cost very little while others are devastating. 

There is a sinful nature in all people. A craving for sin. A lustful longing for iniquity. A magnet like attraction for what kills us. Ask the addict. Seek out the sexual sniper looking for his or her next victim. Watch the wretched. They look vainly for hope, joy, and fulfillment in things that only kill them. They are deceived like moths drawn to the flame. It appears there is no hope. That is not true. 

There is freedom in Jesus. Freedom from the perversion of pornography. Cut ties with crack cocaine. Absolute deliverance from alcoholism. Chains can be broken. Bondages can be severed. Imprisoned ones can see doors opened to their cells leading to liberty. 

If you will not take my word for it, then take Jesus' word for it. 

John 8:31-32 (NASB)
³¹  So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine;
³²  and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."

John 8:36 (NASB)
³⁶  "So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.

Luke 4:18 (NASB)
¹⁸  "THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME, BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR. HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES, AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND, TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED,

We do not have to give in. He makes a way of escape. 

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NASB)
¹³  No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. 

Galatians 5:16 (NASB)
¹⁶  But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.

  Galatians 5:24-25 (NASB)

²⁴  Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
²⁵  If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.

If nobody else will do it I will. I will call the Devil for what he is. A liar and deceiver. He has trapped many people in the snare of sin. He only comes to steal, kill and destroy. I will call him out and stand against him. He might come after me. He already has this week in various ways. I still call him out. He is a loser. I say based on the authority of the word of God in Revelation. He will ultimately lose. He may tempt me and deceive me. He may bring up my past. I will keep reminding him of his defeated future. All his plans will come to nothing. God will triumph. He has no power against the risen Jesus and the power of God's word. If you really want to be free there is a way of escape. His word declares it. Will you believe it and stand firm? On the other hand, will you continue to be drawn to the flame of destruction. You will never find what you are looking for there. Run to Jesus. Be drawn to Him for salvation, cleansing, and deliverance. His arms are open wide to set you free.