It had already been a week since I landed on the moon, and it was exactly 48
years after the original moon landing of Apollo 11 on July 20, 1969.
I had been sent here on a mission to collect rocks from one of its biggest
craters, the South Pole-Aitken Basin, but unlike my forerunner, Neil Armstrong,
I was not planning to return to planet Earth. I liked it here. The surroundings
were surreal, almost dream-like, and I enjoyed the peace and solitude. I was
tired of the hectic buzz of the multitude of people who overcrowded our planet.
Here I could finally get to know who I really was. It was awesome!
"Come in Alpha!"
There it was again. Houston calling for my return to Earth. According to their
plan, I had just under an hour before I was scheduled to leave my new home. No
way!
"Alpha, our telemetry indicates that all systems are functional. Please
respond!"
"Get lost, Houston!"
"Come again?"
They just couldn't believe I would do this. I would have to be stronger in my
words: "I said, get lost! I'm not dealing with you any more!"
There was some tapping on the radio and a surge of static. They were most
certainly adjusting the signal, they were sure they couldn't have heard what I
really said... And then the signal again cleared: "Come again, Alpha?"
"I said, I'm no longer taking orders from you! I'm on my own!"
I finally had their attention, because the response became demanding, even
desperate: "Alpha! Prepare for take off. Now!"
My response was determined: "Make me!"
"Alpha, failure to leave now will mean certain death. Your oxygen tanks..."
With a snap of my finger, I switched off the communication relay. I didn't need
to listen to them any longer. I was now in control of my life. I could do as I
pleased, with no one to contradict me.
Or so I thought...
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Kind of stupid, don't you think? Will such actions fill the void in anyone's
heart?
However, none of us are any better. Every time we give in to temptation we turn
off all communication with our Source of Life! Any addiction to sin is an
indication of a much bigger problem. It's an indication that we have lost the
intimate contact we need with our Life giving Source.
Yes, God forgave us for all of all of our sins and will forgive us if we fall
into temptation; however Jesus urges anyone who has fallen to "go and sin no
more." (John 8:11 NKJV) So why is it that so many believers fall over and over
again into the trap of sinful habits?
The apostle Paul gives two reasons: "So I tell you this, and insist on it in the
Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their
thinking. They are darkened in their understanding
and separated from
the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the
hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given
themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a
continual lust for more." (Eph 4:17-19 NIV)
Whenever we give in to the dark side, our understanding becomes clouded. Some go
so far to rely on worldly books and specialists to justify that their cravings
are completely legitimate! But not only this, we also separate ourselves "from
the life of God", and thus we also become separated from the only One who can
give us victory! His life is what makes us enjoy "real living!" Without His
life-giving power, we are completely lost and we face certain defeat!
Remember: "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that
they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10 NIV)
Paul's recommendations is to "put off your old self, which is being corrupted by
its deceitful desires", and to renew "the attitude of your minds" and "put on
the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness".
"You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and
were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were
taught, with regard to your former way of life, to
put off your old self,
which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be
made new in the
attitude of your minds; and to
put on the new self, created to be like
God in true righteousness and holiness." (Eph 4:20-24 NIV)
In four words, God encourages us to "Be imitators of God." (Eph 5:1 NIV)
Don't be deceived, you cannot lead a defeated life and expect to reach heaven.
Why not?
Because Jesus paid the price on the cross for your victory (see 1 Cor 15:57)
"But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any
kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people.
Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of
place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure
or greedy person-such a man is an idolater-has any inheritance in the kingdom of
Christ and of God." (Eph 5:3-5 NIV)
This is why it is so important to not let ourselves be deceived by those who do
not have our best interest in mind. Don't believe "Do it just one more time". If
you give in, you will have to face that same temptation many more times. Don't
make this lie part of your life: "Everyone does it. You'll make it to heaven
anyway." Instead, lean on the truth of God's Word: "Let no one deceive you with
empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are
disobedient." (Eph 5:6 NIV)
But is there any hope for those believers who keep giving in to addictive
temptations? According to the apostle John, there is: "If we confess our sins,
he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins..." (1 John 1:9 NIV). But
let us not forget the last part of this verse: "…and
purify us from all
unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9 NIV)
This is only possible if we renew our communication with God and welcome Him
back into the intimate relationship we once experienced with Him.
The battle for our mind is ferocious, but only One of the contenders has our
best interest at heart.
"Houston, Houston… Come back please! Please come back! I need your help to get
out of here! This is not such an ideal place after all! It's getting so hard to
breathe . ."
"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:36 NIV)
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
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The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.