chemicals | considering the word

Tuesday night we headed outside for a family activity. Within minutes, we realized that the mosquito families had joined us. My husband was quick to declare it time for bug spray.

Not speaking in time to ask for my own chemical free bug spray, and not wanting to walk the 200 ft. inside to get it myself, I decided to tough it out. It wasn’t long before I was so uncomfortable that I actually reached for the chemical laden bug spray and sprayed it on my skin.

Although I was uneasy with my decision and trying to spray it a bit lighter than usual, I covered all exposed areas. As I wondered why I wouldn’t just walk back in and grab the spray I’m more comfortable with, I began an internal dialog: “Just once won’t hurt. I need this. It will be alright. If you go inside you might miss out on some fun. Quit stressing about this one decision.”

I compromised my standards about intentionally using chemicals on my skin and still ended up with 10 mosquito bites. Not only that, but the effects of the chemicals absorbing into my skin are not yet known. Who knows the damage that my “just this once” decision has left?

Sinful temptations are just like this. We are faced with a real issue. Maybe we’re too lazy to walk away or too proud to ask for help. Sometimes, because of those things, we justify the reasons why it’s ok just this once.

Most of the time, we end up with visible wounds right away. Sometimes, the damage done under the surface doesn’t show up until later. The fact of the matter is; however, no matter what we feel at the moment, the universal laws of cause and effect ensure that there is damage being done.

Sadly, we do these things intentionally. What can be done to stop us?

Well, we can grab the warnings from my bug spray episode and remember to ask for help, walk away, or to refuse to give in. We can remember that justifying harmful actions will only invite and accelerate afflictions in our life. Not compromising on our standards, we can choose to stand firm and say no.

I’m reminded of Heb. 2:18 and 4:16, which say, “For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted…Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

We have a Helper upon which we can call. We don’t have to intentionally inflict harm and destruction upon ourselves. I’m so grateful we’ve not been left stranded and helpless. Thank you, Jesus, and right now, Lord, please help us all.

Still itchy, but much more alert,

jamie

Pr. 17:16: “Why is there in the hand of a fool the purchase price of wisdom, since he has no heart for it?”

After determining to go “chemical free” with all the products that touch my skin, I have recently been experimenting with herbs to replace my former chemical shampoo and conditioner. This has taken a lot of research and a lot of fun chemistry experiments in my kitchen to discover the best way to prepare them.

To be perfectly honest, I am not convinced that my hair is clean at all. I am not, however, quite ready to throw in the towel. Perhaps I will end up with a different recipe, or with a bottle of store-bought, all natural shampoo, but for now my stubborn, choleric personality has kicked in, and I am determined to make this work. I will not give up without a fight.

This verse reminds me of my current situation. How so? Well, I could buy as many herbs as I want. I could line them up in beautiful bottles on the shelf and show them off to everyone who comes into my home. I could tell everyone I can find about the wonderful herbs I bought for my hair. Oooh…I could join some fancy ‘herb club’ or get a discount plan for the best herb shop I can find. I could even show them off as I make my rounds through town.

If I never put them to use; however, there is no point in even spending the money or the time on them. It would be foolish.

We can buy as many Bibles, study guides, and concordances as we want. We can join the best church around. We can wear our church gear, put our church stickers on our cars, show off our Bible apps to everyone we see, and even talk about all the great outreaches we know about.

If we never put any of those things to use; however, there is no point.

Why have a Bible and not use it? Why join a church and not attend? Why wear the gear or sport the logos if you’re not committed?

When we determine to become truly invested in the wisdom that comes from God, and set our minds to learn more of Him; that is when we are no longer counted a fool. We must get into the Word. We must turn our hearts into a “chemistry lab” where God can create something new within us.

We must continue and not give up. That’s when we know we have a heart for it: when we won’t allow anything to stop us from learning more and we will stubbornly continue, not allowing setbacks, failures, or greasy situations to get us off track.

The Lord has so much to offer. If we not only get the purchase price in hand, but also set our hearts toward Him and continue with Him the rewards will be beyond measure!

Washing my hair in faith,

jamie