Just east of our home are two radio towers. For air traffic safety, each tower has lights. Some remain on all the time. Others flash. Some are red and some are white. But these lights provide warning to small aircraft that these towers are there.

At dusk and dawn the flashing lights on one tower changes from the “not so annoying,” normal lights to a strobe light. This flash is much brighter. More prominent in the sky. More intense. More annoying.

I’ve wondered why there is even a change in lights and why at these two times of the day. I don’t know for sure, but I suspect it’s because air traffic may have more difficulty seeing these towers at dawn and dusk. As an extra precaution, strobe lighting was added.

I believe there are times in our lives where we have more difficulty seeing obstacles that can cause misstep or even sin. There are plenty of passages of Scripture that lead me to that conclusion. Let’s look at some of them.

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” (Matthew 26:41 – NIV) When our bodies are not up to the task, we can allow ourselves to be more vulnerable to sin.

“People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.” (1 Timothy 6:9 – NIV) The love of money is a temptation that each of us must encounter during our lives. This passage warns what can come from this love.

James gives some insight into a temptation. “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” (James 4:17 – NIV) We may be tempted to just sit by and not do a single thing. According to James, that can lead to sin.

David seemed to think that his tongue could cause him to sin. “I said, ‘I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth as long as the wicked are in my presence.” (Psalm 39:1 – NIV). James also cautioned us against the tongue in James 3:1-12.

Paul warns us to be careful when dealing with another who is in sin. Temptation can draw us in if we aren’t. “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1 – NIV)

Another area when we may fall into sin is when we are angry. “In your anger do not sin.” (Ephesians 4:26a – NIV)

Oh we find ourselves in situations where temptation pulls at us. When we step over the line, we then find ourselves in sin.

During times of temptation, we have the opportunity to walk away from that temptation. God will provide that way.

“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. 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 stand up under it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13 – NIV)

God is so faithful to us…even when we are not faithful to Him. Look for His escape plan. It’s there, just when you need it!

Galatians 5:16 (NIV) gives us one way to resist temptation. “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.”

And here’s another. “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7 – NIV)

God has also provided His armor to help us in this battle against temptation and sin. “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm…” (Ephesians 6:13-18 – NIV)

Keeping God’s Word close to us is also a way to fight this battle. “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11 – NIV)

When we are alert and watching for the evil one who prowls around like a lion, ambush is much more difficult. God has provided all that we need to resist the devil and his temptations. We must make the choice to follow His guidelines.

I know the strobe lights on the towers are necessary. They provide protection, safety, and awareness to those in the skies. When I look at these lights in this way, I am thankful for what they represent and how they are a reminder to me of what I should be doing. Watch and pray.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna