A fellow tries to cross the Mexican border on a bicycle with two big bags balanced on his shoulders. The guard asks, “What’s in the bags?” … The fellow says, “Sand!”
The guard wants to examine them. The fellow gets off the bike, places the bags on the ground, opens them up, and the guard inspects the contents … only to find sand. The fellow re-packs the sand, places the bags on his shoulders, and pedals the bike across the border.
A week later, the same situation is repeated… “What have you there?” … “Sand.” … “We want to examine it.” … Same results… nothing but sand, and the fellow is on his way again.
Every week this happens, nothing but sand in the bags. Eventually the border guard retires, and lo and behold, one day he sees this same fellow riding a bike down the street with the same two bags on his shoulders. So, he waves him down, and says, “Do you remember me? I’m the border guard at the crossing you always use. I finally reached retirement age.”
“Sure, I remember you.” … “So, let me confess that I always thought you were up to something, but I never could find anything in those bags except sand. What do you hide in there? You’ve been smuggling something all this time, haven’t you!? I can’t arrest you anymore, so tell me, what is it?” … “Bicycles, man, bicycles.”
That story made me think that we have an enemy that smuggles harmful things into our lives by methods that may seem innocent to us, or don’t make sense. We must be on the lookout that our character is not changing for the worse through television, the internet, advertising, depressing newscasts, public opinion polls, politics, and many other seemingly innocent carriers.
What can all this exposure do to us? It can cause our integrity to falter. We can become cynical and unforgiving toward others. It can also cheat us out of God’s surprises and gifts. I get my share of exposure, but I try to stay aware and stay away more. Better diets can be found in the Scriptures, quiet time with the Lord, listening to good teaching, enjoying fellowship with friends, and gathering at places of worship. I hope you partake.
Blessings,
Chaplain Mark
SCRIPTURES FOR THE DAY:
“ … so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes.” (2nd Corinthians 2:11)
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:10-12)
PRAYER FOR THE DAY:
Gracious God, Thank you for another day of blessing and adventure. Keep my eyes open and my mind on alert for any ways I may be allowing the enemy access into my life. Lead me to green pastures of Kingdom nourishment. May I use the wisdom I have gained to make a difference in someone’s life today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.