An itch is like a temptation. Oh how it feels so good to scratch the itch. We know that succumbing to the itch is harmful to us in the long run. Scratching causes redness, inflammation, and sometimes our skin becomes infected. But many of us seek the immediate pleasure of the scratch. We don’t think about the complications that arise from scratching.
It is the same with the temptations to sin that bombard us daily. We see sex, the infidelities, and the outlandish life styles of the rich and the powerful on any media. We are tempted to experience the immediate gratification of these evil acts. We do not think about the long-term consequences of our immediate actions.
Like the resistance to scratch the itch, it takes much patience and perseverance to resist the temptations to sin. It is like a struggle within us, between the good and the evil in resisting or succumbing to our temptations. Without God’s help, it is very difficult to resist these temptations to drinking, gambling or other addictions; it is difficult to remove the evils like greed, arrogance, and self love. We must ask God or pray for his assistance. With God’s help we can resist the itch to sin.
