The Call from the Dark Side
James 1:14-15
Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.
The story of Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader is one that I have recently been revisiting. You know, that dramatic scene in "The Empire Strikes Back" where Luke finds himself face to
face with the dark dude himself. Equipped with laser sharp swords, a battle ensues as each looks to gain the upper-hand in their quest to conquer their opponent. As Darth continues to gain ground, Luke finds himself bruised and disoriented from the exchange. Eventually, Luke ends up in an awful predicament with what appears to be no desirable way out.
And then the invitation from the dark side is extended, "Join me and we will rule the galaxy together as father and son." There appears to be only two choices before him, either join the dark side or opt for a freefall into the dark abyss.
"Noooo!" Luke loudly exclaims and opts for the abyss, choosing the darkness outside over the darkness within.
At times I have found myself in Luke's shoes. The battle between good and evil can leave us bruised and disoriented, making us vulnerable to the forces of darkness clamoring for our attention and beckoning us to yield to its demands. The temptation for instant gratification can be quite alluring if we don't realize that the danger doesn't lie so much in our outward circumstances as it does in resurrecting the enemy within.
The anatomy of temptation is not a new one. It is as ancient as the one presented to man in the Garden of Eden. At its basic level and stripped from all its elaborate dressings is the call to act apart from God and take matters into our own hands. To try and attain for ourselves what can only be found in Him.
Jesus was not sent to condemn man but to save him from sin with its wages of death. To cure him from his fallen life driven by the lusts therein. He did this by crucifying our old selfish nature to his cross, then raising us to new life in Him. Now rooted in his life, we are filled with his nature and the desires of his heart. But unlike the prince of darkness, our Lord is a gentleman. He will not force himself into the driver's seat of our lives, but waits for our invitation. And if we give Him the permission, He will drive us by his love.
So if you don't know who's calling ask for discernment from the Lord. He may have you check your I.D. Caller for help. Does the call flow from the love of God shed abroad in your heart? Or does it come from the lusts of the flesh with its focus on self?
The believer is no longer obligated to heed the call from the dark side beckoning us to live for self and the lusts therein. Its influence and power over us were broken at the cross. Our victory is won by abiding in the Son and walking in his light. So freefall into the unknown abyss knowing your assurance is in Christ. He will not let you down but catch you when you fall. And you will find his love sufficient to conquer all.
Galatians 5:20
My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
