This inherent nature predisposes us to commit sins throughout our lives.
For the entire month of August Powerzone ministries will be diving deep into the topic of temptation. What exactly is temptation? We'll be exploring what it means and what the Bible has to say about it all Month long!
As Solomon stated in Proverbs 15:3, "The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Beholding the evil and the good."
August 24, 2023 By Dr. George Bing
Today, our daily devotional will focus on the temptation to steal. This temptation can affect anyone, regardless of their background or upbringing. Even if you come from a well-known family, attend a renowned church, or have a reputation for being a good person, you are not immune to this temptation. It is possible to have never consumed alcohol, used drugs, smoked a cigarette, or engaged in premarital relations, and yet still be susceptible to the lure of stealing. As stated in Psalm 51:5, "Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me." In essence, we are all born with original sin, which means we inherit a sinful nature from Adam. This inherent nature predisposes us to commit sins throughout our lives.
That is why it is crucial to instill moral values in our children during their pre-adolescent stage, which typically spans from ages eight to 12. The teenage or adolescent years, which may begin a few years earlier, are the time to reinforce the teachings and values imparted during their earlier years. It is during these formative years that we should emphasize the importance of never taking something that belongs to someone else without their permission. This act constitutes stealing and is considered a sin. Without proper moral guidance, individuals are more likely to succumb to the temptations surrounding them and engage in such behavior.
During my pre-adolescent years, I once took some pennies from my father's bank without his knowledge. However, I soon felt guilty about my actions and decided to replace the money. I have never shared this story before, and it served as a valuable lesson for me. The thought of what my father would do if he discovered the missing pennies likely played a role in my decision to rectify the situation. Most importantly, the Lord was aware of my actions, as He is all-knowing. We will continue discussing this topic tomorrow, God willing. As Solomon stated in Proverbs 15:3, "The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Beholding the evil and the good." What are your thoughts?
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