“Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22

We collect water from our air conditioning unit in a bucket and use it to water our plants. In summer, we can collect as much as 10 gallons of water a day! The other day I looked in the half full bucket, and there, lying on top of the water, was a lizard (anoli) … destined to die. Placing my hand in the bucket, it immediately grabbed onto my finger. Smart lizard!

This was interesting because when they get into the house, trying to catch them is almost impossible. Grandkids love to outsmart them all the time. But this little guy wasn’t running from me at all. In fact, at the speed with which it grabbed onto my finger, its reaction was more instinctive than thoughtful. Dropping it onto the ground, it looked to be in shock!

The speed with which it grabbed onto my finger, a finger it would normally resist, made me think about MY decisions. I too find myself shocked at the speed with which I choose to do what God considers good… or evil. Being saved and born again does NOT rid my life of the Old Nature that still considers some sin… fun! I’ve been thinking of that ever since.

Oh how I wish I didn’t have to fight myself all the time. One minute I’m praising the Lord and rejoicing in my salvation. The next, I’m doing something stupid and outside of His will. I’m like Paul who, even when doing good, evil is present! Oh how I’d love to get to the point of no thinking at all. Just grabbing onto God. But… until I get home, I’m called to practice and test everything.

How are YOU doing with today’s verse?