ABC News reported on the pornography industry of America which is headquartered in Los Angeles, CA. The story was focused on the young women in the industry and the 'endless supply' of girls who want in, thinking it is an easy way to become a celebrity and to be rich! One of those interviewed for the program was a true beauty from Florida, raised in a Christian home, whose rebel ways brought her a daughter she had difficulty supporting, which led far from home, making pornographic videos for a 'reputable' distributor. Though she made good money and received a lot of attention, she soon found herself hating herself, hating life, and doing illegal drugs to cope with the inner pain.
On the surface, her life looked glamorous, but it was anything but that! Through tears she said, "You have a million people tell you you're beautiful every single day, a million — and not one of them really give a (care) about you." At the end of the show, the young woman was back home in Florida, trying to rebuild her life, reclaim her daughter, and living with her sister. The price she had paid for her trip to the edges of Hell was obvious from the deep lines etched her her face and the deep pain of the soul that could be seen in her eyes.
Sin always extracts a heavy price, friend - whether it is the kind that is big and bold or the more subtle rebellion against God hidden in the heart. But, sin dresses up in fancy clothes, turns up the music, and puts on the sequins to make itself look wonderful. The ugly price of rejecting God's way is hidden by the illusion of happiness and/or success. The Word says we should not marvel at the deceptive of sin for Satan himself is the 'father of lies.' We also read that he "disguises himself as an angel of light." (2 Corinthians 11:14, NLT) From Eden, one of sin's most successful pick-up lines has been, "Did God really mean to keep you from being happy, from enjoying __________?"
Need we fear being deceived by sin and/or Satan? Not if we are keeping step with the Holy Spirit! Jesus promises "The Spirit shows what is true and will come and guide you into the full truth. The Spirit doesn’t speak on his own. He will tell you only what he has heard from me, and he will let you know what is going to happen." (John 16:13, CEV) If we want to stay whole and holy, then we must seek the Truth, even when the truth is not pleasant, or what we want to hear at in the moment. I am blessed to have people in my life who will tell me the truth, no matter what. They hold up a mirror for me! Thank God for them. When we learn the Truth- in the Word; by the inner work of God's Spirit; or from those who live in Truth - we must accept it and choose to live in it.
James reminds us "Get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does." (James 1:21-25, NIV)
Dealing with temptation today? Does that thing seem so attractive, so harmless, a way to find some happy and 'fun?'
What does God say? What is your conscience saying? What do your trusted counselors say?
Be careful about attempting a negotiation with the Devil. He is a liar and cares nothing for 'full disclosure' of the cost of walking away from God and good.
Keep in step with God's Spirit, and He will guard and guide you into the paths of life.
"Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He’s the one who will keep you on track. " (Proverbs 3:5-6, The Message)
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