Temptation – The Cost

But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD. (2 Samuel 11:27 ESV)

The Lord was not pleased with what David had done. He was not pleased that David had fallen into temptation by envying another man’s wife and taking her as his own. He was not pleased that David had dragged his commander-in-chief, Joab, into his web of deceit. He was not pleased that he had made himself complicit in the killing of an innocent man.

David thought that he had gotten away with his deceitful deeds. But nothing escapes El Roi, the God who sees all and the God who knows all. The Lord saw it as evil in His sight and sent the prophet Nathan to confront David about his immoral behaviour. Nathan uses a parable to open David’s eyes to the gravity of what he had done. To see that he had despised the Lord and His commandments. David realises his actions have consequences. Grave consequences. Not just for Him, but also for others.  Bathsheba suffered sorrow and grief because of the loss of her husband. Joab’s actions caused psychological and emotional harm. The child that Bathsheba gives birth to becomes ill and dies.

When we succumb to temptation, it never happens in a vacuum. There is always collateral damage. We drag others down with us, causing them to stumble and do what displeases God. We lay guilt on others. We cause emotional distress to those who are directly affected by our behaviour. It may cause loss – financial, relational or material. Temptation will cost us dearly, and it may even cost us everything.

It’s Not the End

The thrill of temptation is short-lived. When we realise the damage that our succumbing to temptation has caused in our lives and in the lives of others, we regret our actions. This results in feelings of guilt, shame and self-condemnation. For us, as followers of Jesus Christ, this is not the end of our story. Jesus bled and died on the cross so that we can be forgiven and be released from the shackles that bind us to the consequences of our sin. Jesus pleads our case before the Father so that we can have the victory over guilt and shame (1 John 2:1-2) and be free from self-condemnation (Romans 8:1-2). So all is not lost. God is a God of love and compassion and will bring healing and restoration into our hopeless situation.

He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:3 (ESV)

Reflection

Have you succumbed to temptation? Know that all is not lost. Confess your sins to Jesus so that he can forgive you and set you free from guilt, shame and self-condemnation.

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for dying on the cross so that I can be set free from guilt, shame and self-condemnation. Forgive me, Lord, for placing myself in a position where I can easily be tempted. Forgive me for giving in to temptation and causing harm to myself and others. Help me to guard my heart and my mind with Your Word. Help me stay close to You and be guided by Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.