Curiosity Struck!

There was this tiny lizard that was going around my office desk. Though all lizards are active, this small one was extremely active. Probably it was its first day out! It was climbing everywhere, on the desk, over the curtains, on my bag, over my books. I was working on my computer and out of nowhere this tiny lizard came again and climbed on my laptop. It seemed not to be noticing me! Or probably was ignoring me! It was not frightened of me either! After it happily climbed over my laptop, and as I tried to chase it away, it went over the monitor and then immediately jumped on the desk and went away, as if to show that it was not interested seeing the plain words that I were typing in Microsoft Word! I think, it wanted some colours – vibrant ones!

Even human children are like this, aren’t they? I am reminded of Asher the son of my H.O.D. His mother works as the Secretary to our Director. He is a child of four years and right after his school he runs to his mother’s office. When our director is in his office, Asher would freely enter his office not heeding to his mother’s warning and would start his bla-bla’s. His mother has to go in to the Director’s office and take him away. He is the only one who seems to be not alarmed by the Director's presence. Because others who would walk in to meet his secretary, would hesitate when he is in his office.

Sometimes he would walk into his office, when there is a serious discussion and his mother would scold him. And his face would shrink, out of sadness.

And he won’t be concentrated on anything in particular for a long time. His interests keep changing. The only thing which I have seen him concentrating for a long time, is when he watches a cartoon show. One time he would be playing with his toy gun and the very next moment he would want to go out and play with someone. That which would have amused him for a while would have become boring the next instant. He always wants to experience new things. And he is also very curious. He keeps asking about everything – right from a sharpener to a stapler and he would also take them in his hands to feel it and would try to operate it. When he takes a stapler, he is scolded, because he is ignorant that he could hurt himself with that.

Many a times, we are also like that tiny lizard and Asher. Struck by curiosity, we too want to experience everything. The curiosity that begins with the sharpener goes onto sex. Like the tiny lizard, we would like to go to every new place to find fulfilment. And when Godly people counsel us, it would seem unnecessary for us. Like Asher, we too at many times are unaware of God’s presence, who watches everything that we do.

“And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” Hebrews 4:13 (ESV)

But when we give into our curiosity drive and tread deeper and deeper into it, we would only find that there is no end. That which might seem satisfying today would appear boring after some days and we want something new, to feed our curiosity and satisfaction. So there begins the chase for satisfaction – from pornography to a few puffs to booze to drugs to pre-marital sex and at last ADDICTED! Hooked forever! What remains? GUILT & SHAME! And we not only hurt ourselves, we hurt others, our loved ones and ultimately God!

The Bible says, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree
planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” Psalm 1:1-3 (ESV)

“Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord!” Psalm 119:1 (ESV)

If you find yourselves treading the path of curiosity that is leading you to sin, pray to God,

“Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law (the Bible).” Psalm 119:18 (ESV)

“Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.” Psalm 119:37 (ESV)

And if you think that you are beyond redemption, cheer up.There is a way!

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)

“the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations….” (2 Peter 2:9)

Because we have a God who understands us and is wiling to provide us a way of escape. But we need to come to Him,

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:15-16 (ESV)

Prayer:

Jesus, my curiosity has led me to careless indulgence in sinful pleasures. Show me a way of escape and deliver me from this bondage. Make me free of guilt and shame, so that I can live for your name. Save me from abase and sustain me by your grace! I decide from now on to stay pure and undefiled. Lord help me to not waver in my decision. Holy Spirit, help me in my times of weakness and give me the strength to overcome sinful curiosities and temptations. Amen.