Rotten Tomatoes & Redemption

 “......but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.”  James 1:14 NIV

My first daring escapade as a young girl took place on a rainy day when the boys in my neighborhood were feeling a little too mischievous and asked if I would like to accompany them for some fun. Curious of their plan, I followed them to a garden of tomatoes in a nearby backyard. 

The boys proceeded to pick what appeared to be all the rotten and damaged tomatoes and stored them in makeshift pockets in their t-shirts, then relocated behind some bushes to line up their ammunition.

With our group remaining out of sight, I watched in fascination as the boys picked up their tomatoes and aimed their squishy missiles with such precision, striking the passing cars effortlessly. I dared myself to throw one, knowing full well my arm did not possess the strength needed to hit a moving target.

Filled with relief I would not be forced to give my father an explanation of this vandalism, I went home, reflecting how this seemingly innocent activity drew me in out of sheer curiosity with no gauge to measure the damages caused to the cars or my character.

At this juncture, I felt guilt, yet had to admit how this misbehaving actually felt good and questioned why I had no power to turn away from it. My sinful desire and controlling weakness within lured me in without anyone’s help. 

Many might ask, it is possible to be free from sin? The answer is found in the words of Jesus when he declares, “if the Son sets you free you will be free indeed” (John 8:36) meaning we can receive power from God to resist temptation so we do not choose to commit sin.

We may feel like rotten tomatoes on the inside, but with God’s help in overcoming our sin nature, we can experience freedom from the bondage of sin. Jesus promises to help us war against sin by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit, who equips us to stand against our own evil desires. 

Rejoice today that our Heavenly Father has provided a way out from under the guilt and condemnation from sin. Trust Him and receive His forgiveness!

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