Bibledoorajar: A New Attitude

     After the "Bael-Peor" matter, God spoke to Moses and told him to develop a new attitude or state of mind among the Israelites toward the Midianites. From now on they were to consider them as enemies because they had lured them into idol worship and lust. It was imperative that the Israelites be convinced of the degree of this evil. For them, it was not to be just a matter of harassment and revenge against the Midianites, but a continuing state of mind that would find their actions hated and despised.
     The apostle Paul in writing to Timothy ( a young man who desired to be a representative of God) encouraged him to "FLEE YOUTHFUL LUST". (2 Timothy 2:22) and to "follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart." ... And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." He urged this as a constant state of mind so as  not to become trapped in a similar matter as the Israelites were. Temptation is to be viewed as an enemy and the degree of its' evil to be understood realistically. The psalmist put it this way; "Flee as a bird to your mountain, o thou who art weary of sin". (Psalm 22). When temptations come our way we are reminded that we have a mountain where we can continue to worship and serve Him. We serve from a place of strength but the state of mind has to be maintained.

"And though this world, with devils filled,
Should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed
His truth to triumph through us:
The Prince of Darkness grim,
We tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure,
For lo! his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him."

Stanza 3, A  Mighty Fortress is our God, Martin Luther