“Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Mk 14:38).
A steamboat was stranded in the Mississippi River, and the captain couldn’t get her off a sandbar. Eventually a rough-looking fellow came on board and said, “Captain, I understand you’re looking for a pilot to get you out of this problem?” The captain asked, “Are you a pilot?” “They call me one.” “Do you know where the snags and sandbars are?” “No, sir.” “Well, how do you expect to take me out of here if you don’t?” “I know where they ain’t!” was the reply.
The apostle Paul wrote to the Roman believers, “I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil” (16:19). There’s no need to be an expert on evil; just leave it alone. Obviously, when it comes to trouble, it’s a lot easier to stay out than get out. “Lead us not into temptation,” our Lord taught us to pray. It’s not how close we can get to the world without succumbing; it’s how close we can get to the Lord! Teach us, Lord, that this is where safety lies.