The day was sunny and warm and the property was amazing. Immaculate sprawling lawn, flowering shrubs, and a paved driveway that led right up to the three-story barn.

The wedding vows had been completed and as we dispersed to get ready for the picnic style meal, I noticed one of my boys wasn’t where I saw him just moments ago.

He was young, adventurous and I was keeping my eye on that pond just down the hilly lawn. He hadn’t learned to swim yet and Lorie had the children dressed for the occasion.

What could possibly go wrong?

By the time I got to the pond I could hear words that made my blood boil. “If you’re a big boy, prove it”. Some older boys were taunting him to jump from the dock.

Things can go badly so fast, can’t they?

It just takes an appeal to pride.

Or when things don’t go as planned.

We can do the most dangerous or foolish things and mere moments later say, “I didn’t mean to” or “I wish I hadn’t”.

An appeal to your ego might be all it takes.

It’s a time-tested and effective tool of the enemy of your soul and every one of us has one to exploit.

It worked in another paradise – not near a pond but with a piece of fruit (Gen. 3:1-7).

That appeal has worked so well over millennia that it was even the tool of choice to tempt Jesus in (Matt. 4:1-11). Twice it says, “if thou be the Son of God…”

“If”

“If” is such a small word with big implications. It’s the appeal to prove yourself, to prove God, or to prove to others while you look at the pond and decide if you’re going to jump.

“If you’re so strong Sampson, prove it”.

The problem with temptations to prove yourself is that you won’t know the limits of your strength or willpower until you fail!

Then what?

“If you’re really God, prove it and let me walk on water.”

The problem with tempting God is that it might work for a while but then you begin to sink.

But perhaps the worst appeal is when we attempt to prove ourselves to others and find our worth tangled in what they think instead of the right choice under the circumstances.

“Jump”!

“Prove yourself”

“Show us what a big boy you are”

After all, it’s just innocent fun, right?

I saw enough at that pond to know that my son was giving it serious thought.

Staring at the water.

Then looking at those boys.

Feeling the pressure.

 Ego entirely engaged.

Thankfully, all it took was the voice of his father calling his name.

But it also happens to adults.

In the garden, it was too late, Adam and Eve had fallen and yet God still came to the rescue (Gen. 3:8-9).

He’ll do that for you too.

But why wait until after you fall for your enemy’s favorite trick?

So, here’s my question for you:

“If” you continue to look at that temptation and listen to the voices encouraging you to “jump”, what will your “I didn’t mean to” or “I wish I hadn’t” look like when it doesn’t go as planned or there’s no voice of reason calling to you? I’d love to hear your reply. Share your thoughts with me; I read every response.

P.S. I’m attempting to double the reach of this newsletter. You can help. Can you forward this to a few people you care about — and encourage them to subscribe?

🧔🏻‍♂️For the men in your life. This is a good place for men to open up. I’ve been a part of this ministry to men for a while and highly recommend it.

🛐 How can I pray for you? Please let me know here.

📖 ICYMI. Monday 8pm (eastern) online Bible study & fellowship. Click this Zoom link a little before 8pm on Monday and you’ll be welcomed in!

📫 Forward this email to friends & family and encourage them to subscribe

♥️ Follow on Instagram | Facebook | Threads for more biblical encouragement.

👊🏼 Quick Favor? I’m attempting to double the reach of this newsletter. You can help. Can you forward this to a few people you care about-and encourage them to subscribe? Would you also help me spread the word by sharing BV2U to your social media? Thank you.

💬💡Feedback? Let me know how to improve BV2U or how it impacted you. Reply to this email or use [email protected]. I read every email.