Addictions, sin and God’s Love
There is a disturbing Inuit proverb that has become a tool to encourage those who hear it to say “no” to sinful addictions like alcohol, drugs and pornography, and to say “yes” to God's plan for love in their lives.
An Inuit hunter would dip the cutting end of a blade in blood and then bind it to an immovable surface, like freezing the handle in a block of ice. The trap set, wolves would catch the scent and come running. The smell of the blood would set the pack to licking the blade, but each lick did damage, shredding the tongues and mouths of the beasts.
Famished, numb and unable to differentiate between the taste of their own blood and the blood on the blade, the wolves would work themselves into a frenzy. By the time they realized they weren’t getting any nourishment, it was too late.
Scary as this comparison is, it is accurate in depicting Satan’s control over a fallen soul giving in to temptation. Satan turned against God and became the head of a kingdom of evil spirits called demons. His power both in the heavenly realm and on earth is great and should not be underestimated.
Though Satan’s power is formidable, turning to God is within our power. Jesus Christ crushed Satan’s power with the cross of victory. Jesus will one day destroy Satan’s power completely and purify creation. We live in joyful hope for the coming of that Kingdom in time.
In “Gracefully Woven” Elizabeth Spenner takes us through what meeting Jesus might be like: Imagine coming face to face with Jesus. He looks you over with deep, profound love. You are taken aback. No one on Earth has ever looked at you in such a way.
After a few moments of overwhelming joy and adoration, He poses one simple question. "Who are you?"
Confused, you begin to fumble, "I am a wife." "I am a mother." "I am a teacher." "I am..."
As you finish your list, you meekly look up, as your eyes meet His, filled to the brim with tears. "I must have made a mistake," you sheepishly realize.
"My daughter, I fear you have missed the point. You have listened to the world more than you have clung to me. I see the sadness in your heart. Have you forgotten who I say you are?"
Your eyes brighten, now also filled with tears. Hope creeps in. You feel the love. "Let Me remind you," He gently replies...
“You are loved!" (John 3:16) "You are chosen!" (1 Peter 2:9) "You are forgiven!" (1 John 1:9) "You are My child!" (Galatians 4:7) "You are saved by grace!" (Ephesians 2:8) "You are made in My image!" (Genesis 1:27) "You are never alone!" (Deuteronomy 31:8) "You are wonderfully made!" (Psalm 139: 13-14)
His Words wash over you like cool, crisp water on a hot, summer day.
You feel refreshed and renewed. Suddenly, nothing you rattled off even matters anymore.
Your heart is His once again. The world's grasp is loosened. Satan steps back. And you remember who you really are.
One day, when our time on Earth ends, when… Heaven's pearly gates open to meet our Savior's endearing eyes, I pray that when He asks, "Who are you, My child?" we can joyfully, boldly respond,
I am Yours! Fully known. Fully loved. Saved by grace. Daughter to my King! I am Yours!
(573 words)
