“Don't You Dare”
By Stephanie LaCasse
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is
eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 6:23 (NIV)
Romans 6:23 (NIV)
I was in the kitchen when I saw my two-year-old stand on a stool
and reach for the thermostat that I had already told him not to touch. I
remember the words coming out of my mouth as if it were five minutes ago,
“Don’t you dare…” He smiled and didn’t touch it. His hand was up, but he
refrained. I think it helped that he knew if he chose to touch it, he would
have to go to a time-out. He knew exactly what he was doing, and it was evident
by the smile on his face.
The story of Adam and Eve came to mind. They knew from which
tree in the garden they were not supposed to eat. They didn’t forget, and they certainly
heard God’s initial instruction. They saw that the thermostat (I mean fruit)
was pleasing to the eye and looked yummy. Throw in some doubt proposed by
Satan; Adam and Eve thought that sounded good and took a bite. They decided to question
the consequences for the sake of temporary pleasure. But what is most interesting to me is
not what they did - - but the consequence. They were put on a permanent
time-out…as was all of mankind.
Just like when Sam was reaching for the thermostat, I’m sure his
internal sin nature (with a message like Satan’s to Eve) was telling him that I
would certainly not punish him. I may not always follow through, but God does.
He gave us what our sinful condition deserves, which is eternal separation from
Him. Fortunately, the story doesn’t stop there.
He is the Good Father full of grace and mercy. He sent His only
son. His ONLY SON… let that sink in. He sent His only son to die a physical
death on the cross in our place, so that we will not experience spiritual death
and eternal separation in the lake of fire. I am forever grateful that I do not
have to have eternal separation from God.
Even though I reach to touch the thermostat at times, God’s finished
work on the cross is full of grace and mercy for me.
GOING DEEPER:
1.
In what ways are you tempted to touch
the theoretical thermostat in your life?
2.
How can you reflect God’s mercy
toward you today?
Stephanie
is a mom of three young sons and wife to Dave, who is currently in seminary
preparing for chaplaincy in the US Army. In her spare time, she’s employed at a
law firm.
