“When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away ad enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” James 1:13-15
“May I have this dance?”, says the well-dressed man with a glow on his face, a twinkle of hope in his eyes and a determination in his spirit. Extending his hand, he can hear his heart pound from his chest. She turns and looks up to see the most charming, delightfully looking man she’s ever seen. His rich voice alone made her melt. With such grace and elegance she accepts and the most beautiful, romantic, heart-filled dance begins. It was a dance that made time stand still while the orchestra continued to play. It was a dream come true!
I wish this were true of every dance. To be or to have a “knight in shining armor” that steps from the shadows to sweep a fair maiden from her feet is beyond fairy tale — but it happens every day! This is the dance we think will be, it’s the moment we’ve dreamed about — music, lights, action! But it will soon end in disaster!
I know, I know — how could I be so pessimistic? After all, it’s not real, it’s a fairy tale! And can’t we just imagine for a moment what that would be like to sweep our fair maiden or be swept by a prince? Certainly! Those fairy tales are great and even to imagine such things to happen to us brings us a sense of happiness — but there is another dance! There’s a dance that looks very much like the dance of our dreams — but ends in death! Can you tell the difference?
The prince of this dance has another agenda and it’s not blue birds and butterflies! It’s a dance of deceptions, footsteps toward destruction and with the glistening temptation of lies. It’s a dance with the devil and most of the time, I’m wearing jeans. What does this mean exactly? Well, I rarely ever dress up for the occasion and he could careless how I look. But he always looks dashing, trusting, believable, cunning, hidden, and while matching my every step, he is spinning me, disorienting me from the Truth. This is not the dance partner I’m looking for, he’s danced with everyone in the room. How do I know this? Because this is who he is! “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (I Peter 5:8)
I’m dizzy, he stepped on my feet and he’s got bad breath. Oh, and he whispered to me how I can make my own decisions, do as I want to do, be in control, meet my own needs, save myself. Now that’s a fairy tale indeed! I’ve danced with the devil with jeans on and it was nothing like I had ever dreamed. It became a nightmare!
King Jesus! It is you with whom I dance! I praise your Holy name! Nothing or no one else will satisfy the longings of my heart as do you! Continue to remind me that dancing with the devil leads only to destruction! But dancing in your courts with praise, glory and honor is a dance for all eternity!
The only thing that’s ever happened when dancing with a lion is death. If you don’t believe me, ask the zebra!
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.” I Peter 5:10-11
by: Mark Cruver