What Makes The Devil Flee?

Matthew 4:1-11

What is temptation? In the Bible the word temptation represents a test or trial in which man has a free choice of being faithful or unfaithful to God. It is also a desire to do something wrong, unwise and/or seduction to sin.

Why does temptation exist? Is it a requirement of the flesh? It is a test of faith? So many questions that I simply don’t have the answers to. Ugh! Last month temptation remained in the forefront of my mind.  It wasn’t there necessarily because I wanted to act on it, but more so wondering why it exists. My defense against temptation was my belief of if I never placed myself in a situation that would tempt me, I’d be okay. I learned that’s not the case and it has bothered me ever since.

Part of my work duties for the current position I have is returning lost items to the owner. These items can be money, gift cards or material possessions. No one on earth would know that these items crossed my desk unless I told them.  I’m not talking about five or ten dollars either. I’m talking BIG money that I can retire on and sail around the world with. I’m talking one hundred dollar bills! Gift cards to various stores or Visa Cards with large monetary amounts! I’m talking material possessions that I could buy myself but why should I? Who doesn’t’ want FREE? So what it doesn’t belong to me? It's FREE! Kinda sorta...I guess.

Well, on one particular day that I didn’t place temptation in my way, it decided to pay me a visit. As I sorted through loose items to return, a holy I’m coming to join ya Elizabeth what did I see view of grandeur commandeered my eyeballs!? A wad of lottery tickets! It had to be at least one million tickets rolled up! Okay, maybe it was only ten, or twenty, but that wad was thick!

Temptation. I didn’t do anything out of the ordinary. I was at work doing my job. And bam, there it was. Why? Why did my flesh get hot and prickly, and my mind began racing. I don’t even buy lottery tickets. Free? Greed? Why?

In matter of seconds I thought of how I would scratch them off and cash in my winnings. I made a list of how I would spend the money and quit my job. Yooooooo, your girl was gone! I was going to be rich!

When I calmed down a bit I began to reason with myself as to why scratching the tickets wouldn’t be a good idea for me. I’d have to find someone to give them to. Yes, that’s what I would do. I’d give them to someone, they would scratch them and we’d split the money. Then greed stepped wrapped his hands around my throat and began to close them up. Why should I have to split MY money? My breathing quickened and I got mad thinking of someone spending MY money. Oh, no, I had to figure this out.

The thought of the tickets being stolen made my lifestyles of the rich and famous thoughts come to a halt. How would I explain where I got the winning tickets from? Stolen tickets equals no money and would result in me being fired from my job. Man that would suck. How would that look on my resume? How would I get another job? I’d be a felon! I watch enough Columbo, so I know. I’d ruin my career for a few hot seconds of fleeting flesh. Think about that when that fine man or woman walks by you, or something so delectable blats it's way all up in your face. Is it really worth it?

Jesus defeated the devil’s tempting by relying on the Word of God. In return, God sent His angels to minister to Him. God’s protection. The Holy Spirit brought me back to reality. Everybody has a time limit for foolishness and The Holy Spirit said enough is enough.

The reason why I had to tell this is not just for me. His love is awesome. You may wonder what will stop me from being tempted again. I wonder that, too. God sent angels to remind me that temptation is temporary. The results of it aren’t.

About a week after my lottery ticket Toureette's Syndrome (I know unintelligible random words came from my mouth) escapade I was fortunate to find two different gift cards and return them to the senders. The amounts on the cards were one hundred dollars and five hundred dollars. The thing is, they weren’t just gift cards. They were cards that belonged to someone. They were cards that were spent with money someone earned. They were cards that I didn’t have the right to take. The loose cash is someones cash. The same goes for the lottery tickets that started this mess.

I returned the cards and one person sent me a thank you card, and a gift card to use at my favorite coffee spot. The other person found me on Social Media. I posted our correspondence below.

When I read the line on the card which says, “The world is a better place because of people like you," I swear I almost cried. People like me don’t plot winnings from lottery tickets that could have been stolen. People like me don't plot to scratch off lottery tickets that they didn't pay for.  People like me don’t take money that isn’t theirs. People like me don’t stray from His commands. People like me bury His Word in their heart so we won’t sin against God. Psalm 119:11. I didn’t say it verbatim, but, yep, that’s what people like me do.

I keep the card on my desk as a reminder from God’s angels. He sent the angels to minister to Jesus. He sent the two people who reached out to thank me to minister to me. He provides so many ways for His people to navigate through this wonderful thing called life. I was tempted, The Holy Spirit stepped in and I didn’t fall for the devils plan. I realize that no matter what goes on in my life; temptation, loss of a job, failed relationships, disappointments or joy, I have to lean and depend on God. To think I could have fleshed up – that’s good right there ain’t it? 

Still in all my renewed goodness I’m always on the lookout for an attack. Temptation can lead to turmoil and destruction. It's true that trouble don't last always. It's also true that truth, which comes from trouble might tear you down. Folks aren't as forgiving as we would like them to be. If I allowed my flesh to rule me for a few minutes and scratch off those tickets, I would become the story of a few lifetimes. 

"Remember that lady named Wanda who got fired over those stolen lottery tickets?"

"I didn't know her but, I heard that she was a nice lady."

"Yeah she was. Until she got greedy."

I can't go out like that.

Misery doesn’t love a healthy marriage, family, love or joy. Misery can’t stand the Word of God. Ha! So what! When I feel like my right now is better than His wait until later, I will pray and remember that although the devil knows The Word, The Word is what makes the devil flee.