“For look, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart.” – Psalm 11:2
Even for evil, there is a time of preparation. We dig in our heels and consider the best course of action. We bend our bows, we set the arrow against the strings, and we shoot. Who can understand it? Even in our “evil”, Psychologists say that each of us want to be right. With that want comes an innate need for someone else to be wrong. Many times we sabotage the scenario, see the experience through filtered lens, and do whatever we have to do to be right… although our actions may be filled with self, greed, pride, neglect… evil. Sometimes when we don’t even know it.
This is bad news, but there is hope. That time of preparation gives us a moment to fight the action.
“In your anger do not sin…” Psalm 4:4
“…Each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” – James 1:14-15
But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” – 1 Corinthians 10:13
When we are angry, we can choose not to sin. When we are tempted, we can choose not to sin. When we are enticed, we can choose not to sin. In the same way, we can bend our bows, and still choose to stop. We can set our arrow against the string, and still choose to stop. It’s not too late, as long as we have yet to release the string. Here’s the rest of the Psalm 4 reference:
“In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Selah. Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD. –Psalm 4:4-5
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One of the many things that I love about reading the bible and studying God is that He knows how to talk to offensive linemen. When I was playing ball I was a pretty good O-Lineman. The reason why came down to this, I knew how to do my job. My coach would say, block him or hit him. The target was always clear. God is the same way. He doesn't say, "It is ok to sin here but not here." He just says, do not sin. We must follow God's direction. We must not sin. This is not an arguable point.
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