You know that old saying–if it looks too good to be true, it probably is? I’ve found this to be the case so many times in life, especially when it comes to sin. There’s a reason why certain forbidden things taste good, smell good, and feel good–Satan plays to all of our senses, and he’s a master at his craft.

Sometimes, he makes sin look so good that we have to really stop to take serious time and consider whether or not the opportunity is truly as good as it looks. Can we trust something that has no visible flaws? Would Satan perhaps offer us a “rose” that has no thorns?

Look at all of God’s creation–everything He made has “imperfections,” and I’m convinced this is by design. Even the most perfect ceramic piece has a tiny nick. The lovliest flower has a slightly misshapen petal. Perhaps it’s a gentle reminder that there’s only one thing on this Earth that’s ever achieved perfection, and that’s Christ.

God appreciates beauty, but he never intended us to worship it. Have you ever considered how many beautiful things He’s created that are harmful or deadly?

Take the swan, for example. It’s hard to find a lovlier creature. The double-swan heart is a common image in many romantic scenes. But occasionally, you’ll hear of someone who drowned or died because of one of their viscious attacks.

And the poison dart frogs. Beautiful, radiant colors. In fact, the brighter and prettier they are, the more toxic their secretions.

There’s jellyfish, and any number of beautiful caterpillars who leave behind a nasty sting. And let’s not forget the flowers, many of which have fragrant aromas disguising deadly toxins.

So, back to the imperfections. Like all his creations, God created humans with imperfections. If God had wanted us to be perfect roses, he would have made us with no thorns. Instead, he gave us choice, knowing that in doing so, we would also be tempted to succumb to our flaws.

But in permitting us that choice, he recognized our need for a savior. He gave us Christ, to help us take our thorns and transform them into perfection–His perfection. Perfection that only comes from living in Him.

If you are living without Christ, you are living with the constant pain of your thorns. Repent, and seek Jesus today!

Matthew 11:28-29 says,

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.