“But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin; and sin, when it is finished bringeth forth death.” James 1:14
Today’s Christian Daily Devotional
I have worked in “upscale” strip club for many years. As a dancer, I would watch many men walk into a temptation “playground”. (It seemed more like a temptation landmine to me…) Many were foolish enough to think they could leave unscathed. I can recall countless customers, early into my late-night shift, determined to have just one drink.
I can clearly picture this typical patron now. He has just settled into his seat at the bar. You can see by his stoic expression that he is telling himself he will just have a drink, take a “peek” and leave with his money and marriage in tact. No one would be the wiser.
While he was innocently justifying his way of “relaxing” after a hard week, a gorgeous predator had other plans for him and his paycheck. She smiles coyly as she sees the lust and the fear that is written on his face. He catches her approaching from the corner of his eye. He tries to steady his gaze on the heavy bartender while he loosens his tie and shifts uncomfortably.
It did not go unnoticed that he looked in her direction a little too long. She could see that he was fidgeting a little too much to be in total control. It was obvious who owned the room.
This man was as hot as burnt toast. After a few drinks more than his noble intentions, you can see this woman leading her unsteady victim in for the kill…the VIP room. This is where he would be charged by the hour for his “hard week’s reward”.
He never stood a chance. The minute this man walked through the front entrance, he entered into the devil’s playground. As everyone already knows the devil never plays fair; and sometimes he even charges an entry free.
If you peek into the private VIP room, pay attention closely. On the surface, it appears as if our long legged temptress is having a good time. But, look a bit closer— you will notice that this viper seems to be having an inner monologue going on in her mind as well. Perhaps she is calculating how much money she will be taking home, planning which purse she will be buying online, or maybe she is even thinking about how cheap this whole transaction makes her feel.
Her plastic smile lacks sincerity and her empty laugh echos off a cold heart. It seems the hefty price for the VIP room was for the mere illusion of a good time than an actual good time. It is all about the “Benjamin’s”, baby.
I am ashamed to admit that at one point in my life, I was one of those predators. This was my means for making a living. My sustenance depended on finding the biggest fool with the thickest wallet. It is not something I am proud of because my job did not bring out the best in anyone–including myself.
In James 1:14, the Bible shows us what giving into our desires actually does to us in the long run. It reminds us that just because we have a lust, does not mean we have to fulfill it. Ask a coke-head who is the king of his world. Are you feeding the very things that are destroying you? Take it from someone who has “been there” and “done that”; the price of the game is not worth the cost. Everybody gets burned when they dance with the devil.
“Dear Heavenly Father,
I used to do whatever I wanted to do, whenever I wanted to do it, however I wanted it done; because, I was the god of my own life. This worked for me for a while…until it didn’t. When my conscience consumed me, I reached out to you and you delivered me. It was not easy to step away from everything I knew. It was not easy to go from having everything, to having nothing. But, in those days I learned some valuable lessons that no man can ever take from me. In those days I learned that nothing that is stealing my soul is worth it. Nothing that is taking me away from God will ever be a good thing for me. Nothing matters if I surround myself with people who make me feel good about bad choices, because they don’t want to elevate themselves. I was living in denial, but when I confessed to you, you forgave me and now I literally feel clean again! Thank you for saving me from a life filled with lusts that were never satisfied. I know now that money could never buy the peace that I have with you. I pray for all those who are trapped in this same cycle of sin to just stop and turn to you. I pray you give them strength to drop to their knees in true repentance so you can wash them clean with your forgiveness. I know you will give them a fresh start at a new life that they might have a hard time believing is possible today. With you, God, anything is possible. In Jesus’ name I pray that your will be done right here on earth and in every vile crevice in it, as it is in heaven. Amen.”
Thank you for reading today’s daily devotional. Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!
Author: Julia Shalom Jordan