I play a game on my phone that has captured my heart. I am not dependent upon “friends” to supply me with anything. No one else has to “build” or “harvest” or do something to make my game experience better.

Nothing dies if I don’t get to it in time. The quests are mostly doable. It is a mind-numbing, time-wasting, video game that is addicting.

I originally put it on my phone for Joy (my granddaughter) to play, but it hasn’t interested her at all. So it’s been me and the fishes for months and I am at level 25.

Upon realizing my addiction to this game, I’ve tried to squash the temptation of picking it up and just harvesting a little bit of algae and it has worked…for the most part. But like anything else that pulls my attention from what’s important, it may be time for me to call it quits.

It’s so easy to become side tracked or distracted from God’s plan for our lives. And most people start something (a game, a craft, a hobby, a relationship) thinking they can handle it and it won’t be a problem. But I’ve come to realize that nothing is as innocent as it seems in the beginning.

Time wasted, relationships hurt, and financial hardships are just a few of the issues caused by mindless activities. Not to mention how these seemingly small things can turn our relationship with God into mush.

There is nothing in this world that is worth ruining our relationship with God over. Nothing. God gave this message to the Israelites from the beginning. God shared this same message throughout Scripture. So why do we do it? Why do we let something as senseless as a video game get between me and God?

Because the evil one is in this world. And he is up to his old tricks. He makes us believe there isn’t a problem. He assures us that it’s harmless. He twists the truth. And we are the ones who accept his lies and fall into his trap.

Jesus warned those listening to Him (and us) of the capabilities of the evil one. In the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3-23), Jesus speaks of how the evil one is able to snatch away what is sown in the hearts of those who have heard the Gospel.

Jesus also said there was a way to escape the evil one. In Matthew 26:41 (NIV), Jesus shared these words. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” (Luke 22:40; Luke 22:46)

Jesus knew that prayer was one way to battle the evil one. He prayed for His disciples and for us in John 17:15 (NIV) when He said, “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.”

We also see from Jesus’ example of resisting temptation that reciting Scripture is a great way to walk away (Matthew 4:1-11).

Our dear friends Paul and James weigh in on this subject as well. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (NIV), “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

What a promise! When I feel like I’m over my head, God will be there to help me get out of the situation. Of course, this only works if I want it and if I’m looking for an escape route.

And in James1:13-15 (NIV), Jesus’ half-brother provides information about what can happen if we don’t take that escape route. “When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”

No beating around the bush here. When we flirt with temptation from the evil one we open the door to sin. And according to James (and Jesus, and Paul, and every other Bible book writer) sin leads to spiritual death.

So my little fish game that gobbles my time is leading me down a path of destruction. Oh there are much bigger things in my life that have the capability to do the same thing and now that I am more aware of the whole temptation thing (and it is in writing), I am compelled to look at each activity and weigh it against the health of my soul.

The good news is that God has provided a way out. I can delete the game. I’ve walked away from other games in the past and I can do the same with this one. I can choose to use that regained time in better ways. For greater purposes. And that is exactly what God calls me to do.

So today, the little fishies will be deleted from my phone. Instead of a few minutes throughout the day harvesting algae, I will pull up my Bible app and read a chapter from God’s Word. A much smarter decision.

What temptation is the evil one placing before you? While we seem to place labels to temptation, they are all the same in God’s eyes. If it takes you away from God’s presence, it is wrong.

So today, I ask that you join me in seeking those things that pull you away from God. The evil desires that entice us from His presence. And once you’ve identified it, set a course to remove it. Ask God’s forgiveness, His protection, His guidance, His grace to cover you through the process. Then you too can say, “Away from me, Satan!” (Matthew 4:10 – NIV)

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

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