“I am tempted to think that I am now an established Christian—that I have overcome this or that lust so long—that I have got into the habit of the opposite grace so that there is no fear that I may venture very near the temptation—nearer than other men. This is a lie of Satan. One might as well speak of gunpowder getting [in the] habit of resisting fire, so as not to catch spark. As long as powder is wet, it resists the spark; but when it becomes dry, it is ready to explode at the first touch. As long as the Spirit [like water, fills] my heart, He deadens me to sin so that, if lawfully called through temptation, I may reckon upon God carrying me through. But when [I am not filled with the Spirit], I am like dry gunpowder. Oh for a sense of this!” —Robert Murray M’Cheyne (1813-1843)
Be careful playing with sparks.
Blessings,
—j
Jay McCarl 