Devotion #2: The Temptation of the Trash
We consider ourselves to be dog people. We have a sweet, 9-year-old rescue dog named Ruby. Ruby is a border collie/boxer mix (or so we were told), and she definitely has characteristics from both of those breeds. She is a smart dog and knows what she is supposed to do (and not do) in the house. Because of that, she usually has free reign of the main living space when we are gone during the day. Ruby is a loved, well-fed dog, and she responds easily to positive praise and treats. However, she is also a stubborn dog who often obeys her instincts and desires despite her owner’s instructions. This smart dog learned how to open and get into the trash can in the kitchen, which gave her access to all sorts of “yummy” scraps and fun things to tear open. She knows she is not supposed to get into the trash. She even hangs her head in doggy shame when we return home to find a big mess. It is obvious that she does not want to disappoint or disobey us, but she continues to give in to the temptation of the trash.
Just like Ruby, we often let the voice of our flesh become louder than what we know is right and good. Earlier in Romans chapter 3, we were reminded that we do not have any righteousness on our own; “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one” (Romans 3:10-12).
The good news is that we were given a free gift that is available to us only because of the sacrifice of Jesus’ death and resurrection. We can have “the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe” (Romans 3:22). I wish that meant that there was now an “easy button” that erases all desire and temptation, but we read from Paul that this struggle continues even in the hearts of the Christ-follower. Romans 7:13-20 (NLT) says, “It [sin] uses God’s good commands for its own evil purposes. So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.”
Paul says that not only is he a sinner like the rest of us, but he is in a constant struggle because of that indwelling sin (the flesh, the old nature). We want to do what is right and please our Father in Heaven, but how often do we exchange the reward of obedience for the momentary, cheap thrill of digging in the trash? Despite knowing the truth, we follow our fleshy desires. Warren Wiersbe wrote, “The inward man may delight in the law of God (Psalm 119:35), but the old nature delights in breaking the law of God. No wonder the believer under law becomes tired and discouraged and eventually gives up! He is a captive, and his condition is wretched.”
Maybe as you read this, you can identify with Paul. You feel the desires of your flesh weighing you down, and you are constantly battling against what you know to be right and what you feel your desires to be. Maybe you even feel held captive, and the struggle becomes greater when you hear our world say, “Do what feels good to you.” Let me encourage you to take that burden to Jesus; lay it at His feet. Ask for His strength to choose the truth. He invites you to come. He invites you to rest in Him. Matthew 11:28-30 states, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”