Isn't it amazing how can God give us a small reminder during our day, even one so simple that it says "My flesh has a cost."
On my way to work the other day, the radio was playing a Mcdonald's ad.
"You want a sausage and egg biscuit, or how about an egg McMuffin."
The man was saying it, not in a normal speaking tone, but more so in a whisper. As if he was trying to hypnotize or entice you. I thought to myself, "Wow, the food industry really knows how to work people….just like the devil."
Then, the ad said,
"For ONLY two dollars."
Immediately I thought, "WOW, now that's exactly how the devil works!"
I mean think about it,
When the food industry strategically plans an ad/commercial, they do it so when you or I listen and watch it, we are left wanting it.
First, it enters our minds, which causes us to think about it. And if we are not careful, our bodies end up craving it.
They then, lower the cost knowing the cheaper it is, the quicker we are to pull out our wallets!
We oftentimes forget that the cheaper it is, the lower the quality is too.
And that's how we end up in the drive-thru lane! After that, 1 of 2 things happen.
1: It's exactly what we expected,
Or
2: It was nothing like we expected.
And, we either leave satisfied or disappointed.
So, just like the food industry, the devil works the same exact way.
John 10:10 says,
"The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy;…."
The enemy knows what is tempting and enticing to us. Whether it be, pride, bitterness, fear, doubt, or lust.
He knows.
And he tries to find subliminal ways to engage. He does it in ways that if we aren't spiritually sound it can go undetected. But it's still there.
He then goes on to convince us that it's cheap. It's not a big deal.
"You can repent about it later. After all, isn't that what God's mercy is for?"
We start thinking that crossing that one boundary won't matter. It won't go further. Or even, we can handle,
"I'm in control." (In that case, we've already given into pride.)
As it sits in our minds, it shows up time and time again until our bodies are ready to act on it.
What then?
Well, those previous options come next.
At that point though, the devil doesn't care. He's just happy he got something of value at such a low cost.
Yeah, what a thief! Can't say we weren't warned though.
John 10:10 continues to say,
"I have come that they may have life and have it to the full."
God came, robbed himself in flesh, knew no sin, and died for ALL of our sins.
He GAVE HIS LIFE, so ours could be full.
If that doesn't sink it, then reread it, please.
God paid the ULTIMATE price for our sins, yet the enemy tries to convince us that giving in to our flesh is cheap.
In the midst of that, God has already paved a way for us to have a life full of abundant blessings not at a cost of two dollars but none. That's not a thief.
That's love. Everlasting love.
God has already given us everything we need to live a life of fullness.
To go a little bit further with this point, let's talk about the story of Samson and the lion.
Judges 14:1-9
For the sake of what I'm sharing, remember this
-Samson represents us,
-The lion represents a SPIRIT of some sort.
-The honey represents SIN.
God gave Samson the strength he needed to defeat the lion.
And on the way back from his journey, I'm sure he became tired and hungry.
When he passed by that lion for the 2nd time he decided to look at it again.
Samson noticed it was no longer an empty carcass but it was full of honey.
Sweet honey.
Plus, it was free. There wasn't a bear he had to fight for it.
Because that honey was enticing and easily accessible, he decided to feed his hunger by eating from something God had once given him the strength to conquer.
After that, he then takes some to share with his family. He didn't tell them though where he got it from. Weird right? Why mention that in the Bible if it didn't mean anything. Maybe, because deep down he knew that if they had known, they would have been disgusted.
Sometimes it's easier to encourage others in our fleshly desires than it is to acknowledge that we should have never engaged ourselves.
I share all of that because I want to encourage and remind anyone else too, that our sin does have a cost. And that Jesus did pay it for us but that doesn't mean we should walk around taking advantage of his mercy.
He loves us so much that he gives more than he receives.
So please don't believe the lies that the enemy tries to sell us on. He only wants to kill, steal, and destroy your life of fullness.
Remember though, we are all beautifully unfinished and striving to be like God more and more each day.
I hope this reminder has encouraged you as well to reflect on the cost of our flesh and God's mercy.
Keep fighting the good fight in Jesus name.
With love,
Samantha Nicole
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