The world offers much in the line of pleasure, entertainment, wealth, and wisdom that can entice one to turn away from God or that would put Him last in a long line of priorities. Jesus stated “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things (the necessities of life, Matthew 6:25-32) will be added unto you,” (Matthew 6:33).
From the beginning of time, mankind has been enticed by the world. In Genesis 3:1-7 the serpent came to tempt Eve. Satan appealed to her through all the avenues of sin, (I John 2:16). The text states, “And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her, and he did eat,” (Genesis 3:6). Yielding to temptation cost Adam and Eve dearly: Eve was cursed with the pain of childbearing and also had to embrace the rule of her husband, (Genesis 6:16). Adam was forced to work the ground which was cursed in order to make a living for his family, (Genesis 6:17-19). They would die and return to the dust from which they had been created, (Genesis 3:19). Adam and Eve also lost their garden home, (Genesis 3:22-24).
Solomon was also enticed by the world. He allowed his accomplishments, his wisdom, wealth and fame to lead him to turn from God to the idols of wives which had been forbidden from God, (I Kings 11:2). It is said of Solomon, “And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart,” (I Kings 11:3). In spite of all his accomplishments the life he lived brought him no real satisfaction. He wrote, “Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labor that I had labored to do: and behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun,” (Ecclesiastes 2:11).
James tells us that when we submit to temptation and walk in sin, it will cause our religion to be without value. He stated, “If any among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain,” (James 1:26). He further tells us that if we make the world our friend, we will become the enemy of God, (James 4:4-10).
The song reads “Yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin, each victory will help you some other to win, fight manfully onward, each passion subdue. Look ever to Jesus, He will carry you through.” When the world entices you, remember the words of Paul, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that ye may be able to bear it,” (I Corinthians 10:13).
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