A very wise friend of mine once taught a lesson called, “The Black Dog”, in which a pet began as a cute little puppy but grew into a big, mean, dangerous animal. He likened it to sin in our lives. Sin, if we allow it, will grow and take over our lives and put everything else aside. The phrase I remember from that teaching is this, “Don’t feed it and it will die.” That’s what we need to do to the things in our lives that threaten to take over, don’t feed them! “Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.” (James 1:14-15). “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” (Romans 13:14).

Let’s say there’s this little demon that has been harassing you for a long time.  He messes things up for you and you can’t seem to get control over it.  Finally, however, you get this demon in a cage which gives you control for awhile.  But occasionally, he breaks out and causes you trouble again until you can get him back in the cage.  Do you have anything in your life that you can identify with this?  We all do and some have more control than others.

But here’s the thing, how absurd would it be that you’ve got this demon under control in the cage and he’s not bothering you but ever so often, you go and give him some food!  And when you feed him, he gets stronger and eventually breaks out of the cage.  Anyone would say, “Why in the world are you feeding that thing?”  I agree, don’t you?  Why do we feed these things?  “Leave no [such] room or foothold for the devil [give no opportunity to him].” (Ephesians 4:27 AMP).

Now, here’s a personal lesson that I have learned recently that relates to this. I’m trying to eat healthier and avoid too many carbs in my diet. I love chocolate and cookies but I have made a pact with myself to not indulge in these things. We have chocolate and cookies available for our grandkids when they come over and they are sitting right there in view as I walk by the kitchen tempting me to take one. I have not done it for a couple of months. But what I’ve found out is this: It was really hard to avoid at the beginning but, the more I didn’t feed that temptation, the easier it got. Now, I can walk by them, see they laying there, but have very little desire to grab one. I haven’t fed that desire and it has died!

I propose that this method will work for any addictive temptation we are subjected to. However, it takes strength and fortitude but the Holy Spirit in us will help with that. Some addictions are harder than others to kill but, with God’s help, we can be victorious! But we know, that when you give in and feed it, you will be back at the beginning and have to start all over again. Ask for God’s help, be strong and determined to beat it and fulfill God’s plan for your life. Don’t feed it!