You know what it looks like.
Sometimes we get carried away with what God has provided for our sustenance and pleasure in partying – that’s debauchery. Sometimes we get carried away in hanging on to our stuff – that’s greed. Sometimes we get carried away in our anger – that’s rage, whether it’s inappropriate and abusive acts or rants from under the cover of social media. Sometimes we get carried away in envy, wanting stuff that God’s given to someone else – that’s coveting, whether it’s wanting their stuff or their spouse. Sometimes we get carried away in our desire for justice – that’s revenge.
Even things that are good in and of themselves, if we get carried away, become evil.
“…but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.” (James 1:14 NIV)
We get dragged away, carried away. We get carried away and lie to protect people we like, or just to cover our own backsides. We get carried away by fear and leave our responsibilities. Some are afraid to stand up in front of others and speak out when something needs to be said, or like the captain who flees the sinking ship, we may leave those in our care to fend for themselves.
The good news is that there is an exit, a way out from getting carried away.
“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 will show us a way out. Always.
When you notice someone getting carried away, or maybe it’s you, will you ask God for the way out?
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