Percy’s Box (Sabbatical Post)

 

I’ve mentioned my grandson Percy before. He is now just over 2 years old and he loves to explore. He loves to open doors. He loves to sit in the driver’s seat of cars and move, push or pull anything that moves. And he loves to push buttons.

 

Percy's box2There is a button within the myriad of devices in our entertainment center that we were told by my husband never to touch. I still don’t know what its function is, but I do know that Percy found it. For a couple of months, we had to keep our eye on him. He would sneak in that direction and before we could get the words out of our mouths, he would push that button.

 

As I’ve mentioned, I don’t know what the device is for, but when the button is pushed, everything in the entertainment center shuts down. And not just off, but each piece must reboot itself and this process takes a while.

 

In an effort to keep Percy from pushing that button, my husband created a little box that has lots of buttons and lights and sounds. It is a box that keeps Percy occupied and his attention is drawn away from the entertainment center and “that button” he isn’t supposed to push.

 

Adam and Eve knew of temptation (Genesis 3) and how sinful desire was stronger than either of them. The moment they each ate of the forbidden fruit, their lives (and the world) changed forever. Their perfect relationship with God ended and God’s redemption plan was put into action.

 

King David felt the pull of temptation (2 Samuel 11:1-12:25). As a man after God’s own heart, David knew that sin would separate the two of them. But the temptation set before him was greater than his will-power and he sinned. Tragedy followed this sin, but God brought restoration to King David and Bathsheba. And through their offspring, the world would be changed yet again.

 

Ananias and Sapphira also were tempted. Their temptation was to be dishonest with God (Acts 5:1-10). The temptation set before them was greed. They were dishonest with Peter and in the end, each were struck down by God. God’s message to the early Church (and to us) was not to test the Spirit of the Lord. God knows motives. God knows hearts. God knows when there is sin in one’s life. And He will not tolerate it. Don’t try to hide it. God knows.

 

Sometimes there are people, places or things that we can’t keep our hand off of. Regardless of what Scripture says or how God feels about sin, the temptation is alluring. The evil one knows exactly what to do and how to create this desire within us to move closer to the temptation and then before you know it, we’ve fallen into his trap.

 

James explains this process in his letter to fellow Christians in the first century Church. This is what he says. “Each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” (James 1:14-15 – NIV)

 

I know that I sin. I know that according to Scripture we all do (Romans 3:23). But I also know that God has provided mercy and grace to cover that sin when I confess and repent. There are six little words in the book of James that carry a powerful punch. “But he gives us more grace.” (James 4:6 – NIV)

 

I don’t know about you, but I am thankful each day (sometimes each hour) for the grace God provides. I am covered by His grace and I am once again cleansed of sin.

 

Are you looking for God’s grace today? Do you wish to be forgiven of sin? If so, God is waiting with open arms. You just need to speak to Him. I can help you with this if you are willing. Please don’t let another day go by without knowing Jesus as your personal Savior.

 

Percy loves his little box. There are plenty of buttons to push and it keeps him occupied. His attention has been averted from the button that controls the entertainment system. So once again, all is well within the Sisler household. For now.

 

I’d love to hear from you! If you would like to leave me a comment, please click here.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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