Jesus was tempted but without sin (Hebrews 4:15). Temptation itself is not sin. Yielding to temptation, however,is most definitely sin (Genesis 4:7). Our desires pull at us, yes, but that is not all. The devil joins chorus with the desires we have that would pull us away from obedience to God (Genesis 3:1-6; 2 Corinthians 2:11). Desires in themselves are not wrong (Psalm 37:4). It is where those natural desires take us away from the proper and lawful fulfillment of those desires that we run into problems (John 8:44). God has blessed us with laws and commands that keep us from self-destructive paths (Psalm 119:105). He has set boundaries for us. They are like guiderails to to keep us away from the precipice of sin (Psalm 37:31). If we keep on the path, we do well and God is with us (John 8:12; 1 John 1:7). If we crash through the guiderails we fall into sin and no longer walk the path of God (1 John 1:5-6).The edge is where temptation lies (James 1:13-14). Trying to follow the Lord, but also traveling so close to the edge is where many Christians find trouble. Walking the path of obedience, but so close to the edge that they are only one step away from the precipice (Deuteronomy 11:16). Desires pull at us and the devil yells “Jump.” We can still walk on the road, but the temptation pulls. Temptation is strongest at the edge where the pull of desire is strongest and the call of Satan is loud (1 John 2:15-17).
Why is it that so many walk along the edge. We want to push the boundaries until we finally break through. If we would walk in the center of the path there would not be so much pull. The danger of sin is not so great when we center ourselves on the path (Psalm 16:11, 27:11, 119:32). If we turn to the right or the left, we get closer to the edge. Oh for that great middle way (Deuteronomy 5:32; Joshua 1:7). If temptation is strong, why not move away from the edge. Hear the warning of the law that says, “Stay Back!” Listen for the voice of God that says “This is the way, walk in it” (Isaiah 30:21). Remember others who have traveled the edge and broken through. Let them be a warning to you (Zechariah 1:4-6). Stay away from the edge!
