Devotion 
Feeling or everlasting:
which would you prefer?
David Jacobs 

Ah, that clever serpent! If only he hadn't convinced Adam and Eve to sin. How wonderful life would be...but wait, without sin and pain, how would we understand love and beauty? Without evil, would good exist?

In Genesis 1, God creates everything, including light and darkness (Genesis 1:2-5). Light is good, darkness is bad. Darkness existed, but temptation as we understand it in these verses, is not yet introduced. Adam and Eve were already created in the likeness of God, but they wanted more. They wanted to be even more like Him. It didn't take much convincing from a creature that they did not even know, but the lure of temptation was too strong. Giving into their temptation, sinning, is rewarded with alienation, pain, and death.

The temptation of drugs, lust, and sloth is strong. It has afflicted much of society today. In fact, it has afflicted so much of society that these temptations and sins have been glorified. Where do these temptations lead? Alienation, pain, and death. There is no glory, no peace, and no reward for giving in. Although it may seem exciting and appealing at first, these temptations are fleeting; these worldly delights will not last, but we have been shown the path to a life everlasting. The choice is ours.

Prayer 

Are you struggling with a recurring temptation or addiction? Do you know of someone else that is struggling with one? Go to God and seek His love. Addiction and temptation is usually a result of loneliness. Seek out other devotees of Christ, for there is strength in numbers. Surround yourself with other faithful Christians and your faith will be reinforced.