BEWARE OF THE TEMPTER

 There are things you would never think of doing if you were not tempted. Temptations intend to bring out the worst in us.  Most of our misbehavior happen because we listened to a tempter; someone who claims he knows what you want, points you to the wrong road as if it is the right one and persuades you follow him as he leads you. So, one major thing you must watch out for, always, is the presence of the tempter. Solomon calls tempters sinners.  The tempter is the one going the wrong way and seeking the company of others. He wants to recruit you to travel the wrong road with him or her. He tells you the way he is going will get you want  and even faster. He may show you 'proofs' that he is on the right track but he never tells you the whole truth. He never even tells you he just wants your company and not really your welfare. The temper is that person who persuades you to do what you already know you should not do. There is just one thing to do with the tempter: DO NOT LISTEN. If you give attention to the temper, he will convince you eventually.  God warned Adam against eating from the forbidden tree. But he was not warned against the tempter. This passage warns us against the tempter or the enticement of sinners the mother of troubles. Do not consent to sinners.

  HOW TO IDENTIFY THE TEMPTER

 Although TEMPTER does not appear on anyone’s face, you can always recognize the sinner or tempter by what he suggests to you.  He encourages you to what is forbidden by society, the law of the land or your faith. He knows it is a wrong thing he is suggesting but assures it is the quickest way to get what you want. He always tells you what you stand to gain - power, wealth, fame, pleasure - hoping to prove toy that the end justifies the means. Anyone who speaks only of gain but says nothing about price is a deceiver. The price you have to pay for what he is suggesting makes it worthwhile or not. He tells you to join their company. He does not want you to do anything privately. He wants you to unite with their company. He is not thinking about but their company. His company wants to use and everything you have. The tempter is not trying to help you; he is looking for you. They want you to make a commitment that makes it difficult to pull back or out. Unity is a very good things but who you are unity with is even more important. Unity must not be at the expense of purity. The counsel of wisdom is to avoid the tempter. Do not go his way. Keep off his path. - Nkem Okemiri Reference: PROVERBS 1: 10-16