Beautiful but Deadly

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. (James 1:12-15 ESV).

The Aquarium was a wonderful experience with our granddaughter, Maggie. One of the fish we saw was a Lionfish. These beautiful tropical species are noted for their venomous fin spines, which are capable of producing painful, though rarely fatal, puncture wounds. The fishes have enlarged pectoral fins and elongated dorsal fin spines, and each species bears a particular pattern of bold, zebra-like stripes. When disturbed, the fish spread and display their fins and, if further pressed, will present and attack with the dorsal spines. One of the best-known species is the red lionfish, an impressive fish sometimes kept by fish fanciers. It is striped with red, brown, and white and grows to about 12 inches long. The red lionfish is native to South Pacific reef ecosystems. In the early 21st century the species became established in reef ecosystems along the Eastern Seaboard of the United States, in the Gulf of Mexico, and in the Caribbean Sea. Its rapid rate of reproduction, combined with the absence of natural enemies in those regions, resulted in its decimation of local reef fishes and its designation as an invasive species. Wildlife managers suspect that lionfish were deliberately released by pet owners into the ocean along Florida’s Atlantic coast starting in the 1980s, but damage to pet stores caused by Hurricane Andrew in 1992 may have also allowed others to escape. They are beautiful, but deadly. Seeing these fish reminded me of our reading today. James is very clear in showing us the progression of sin in our lives. When temptation gives way to sin, and sin is fully operational in our lives it produces death. The tragedy of this sequence is that temptation is always very attractive. You may at first want to argue with that perspective saying that sin is not attractive at all. The problem with that line of reasoning is that it denies the basic nature of man. Sin may not “look” attractive physically; however, it emotionally and spiritually draws us because of our basic nature. At the very heart of a man is rebellion towards the will and purpose of God. Like magnets we are attracted to that which will ultimately lead to our death. So, what do we do to prevent death? I would suggest that the first and most important step in this process is to strengthen that which is truly beautiful. Be diligent in your pursuit of a greater, stronger relationship with Christ. Temptation is not rooted in Him. Build on your relationship to the Lord. That will keep you safe.