Today’s Scripture is Psalms 101:3.
“I will set no worthless thing before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me.”
In this verse, we see David’s deep commitment to protecting his heart by carefully choosing what he allows his eyes to behold. It’s a powerful reminder that what we see and dwell on can take root in our hearts.
David’s decision to avoid “worthless things” tells us that he understood the power of seemingly small influences. He chose to distance himself from anything that could lead him astray.
Yet, we sometimes try to see how close we can get to the edge without falling over. We tell ourselves we can look but not touch, admire, or indulge. One writer said, “What makes resisting temptation difficult for many people is that they don’t want to discourage it completely.”
We struggle because, deep down, part of us isn’t ready to let go entirely.
In 386 AD, Augustine, a Christian teacher said, “Grant me chastity…but not yet.” We too, may keep that harmful influence just within reach, believing we’re strong enough to handle it. But temptation doesn’t announce itself with a trumpet blast; it sneaks in subtly, growing stronger over time until a small compromise becomes a major stumbling block.
I’m Lonnie Davis, and this is a thought worth thinking.