Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Jelly Bean Insight

(Picture from: www.holidays.net)

Three o'clock is called "Candy Time" around here. It's not a great thing health-wise, but the kids love looking forward to three candies at three o'clock each day - especially our boy child. (I typically look forward to time for sweets, too.) Recently, our daughter chose to eat some jelly beans that had been packaged in a bag with a Jelly Bean Prayer on it. It goes something like this:
(Picture from Michelle at Honey I'm Home blog)

In our house, at least three out of four of us agree that the black jelly beans are delicious, so at first, there was some disappointment that the black jelly beans represented sin in our lives. I mean, why should the best tasting ones represent the saddest and worst concept?

Then our son had a thought: Sin can "taste" so good to us. It tempts us and we can crave it. We are drawn toward it and desire it. We may want to eat a big bunch of black jelly beans, but they are full of sugar and that would be bad for us - similar to how sin is bad for us.

Unlike jelly beans, where a little is okay for you, a little sin is not. To us, some sins are worse than others, but to God, they are all equal.

(Picture from a Facebook post)

I keep desiring to eat healthier, but as I think back to all the food I ate during Thanksgiving week and how many cake balls and cookies I have eaten in the last few days. They are so delicious and tempting to me! But, they are not good for me, especially in that quantity. I was reminded of my son's insight about sin. I resolved to keep up the fight to eat better.
What remains of the cake balls and cookies (except the acorn cookies are gone now...)


Another aspect is being aware of what we should be putting into our minds (and bodies). From the body perspective, I realized last night that I hadn't had a sip of water practically all day long! In fact, I hadn't had a sip of anything! I missed out on the benefits of staying hydrated, and that was possibly part of the reason I developed a headache last night.
Ignore the "big book of cupcakes" behind the water.

From a mind (spiritual) perspective, we need to "feed" ourselves on the word of God. We need to spend time in reading the Bible, praying to God, and praising Him. We receive spiritual nourishment from these practices.


So, what are some of your "black jelly beans?" What sins seem "tasty" and desirable to you? No need to share here; just think to yourself. (Share in the comments if you'd like to share, though. You never know who else you might help.)

What do you need to do to move away from sin and further into a right relationship with God? Feel free to share any of your ideas about this, too.



The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. - Romans 13:12

Therefore I urge you, brothers [and sisters], in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will. - Romans 12:1-2, parenthetical addition mine

When tempted, no one should say, " God is tempting me." for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. - James 1:13-15

My son [or daughter], if sinners entice you, do not give in to them...my son [daughter], do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths - Proverbs 1:10, 15, parenthetical additions mine

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. - Psalm 1:1

For the lips of the adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword. - Proverbs 5:3-4 (This can apply to all sin, not just adultery.)

For a man's ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths. The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast.I - Proverbs 5:21-22

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" - John 1:29

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