Oh the summer months are upon us. Okay, well they have been upon us. It feels like just recently I have noticed the increase of those summer friends we all love called mosquitos. We love being outside, but from just sitting on a blanket for thirty minutes, I have discovered at least ten bites on my legs. Ten. Double digits. Now that is a little crazy.

I am always so focused on putting sunscreen on that I forget about bug spray, so I guess ten bites could be deserved for not using the proper protection. Bug spray or not, I still have all these bites on my legs.

These bugs bites are always the ultimate form of discipline for me. To itch or not to itch? That is the question. But it really is not a question because you are not supposed to itch mosquito bites.

It is the same cycle every time with one of these bites. They itch like crazy just begging you to scratch it. You give in and scratch the bite. The relief feels so good that you continue scratching. The bite gets all red and inflamed and you have created a scab on your leg. Yuck.

Sin is the same cycle. The temptation is there. You give in. Then comes the consequences. There are always consequences to sin.

“For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23 CSB).

Just like with a bug bite, our lives require some discipline. I don’t mean discipline like a punishment. I mean discipline that is self-control. The kind of discipline it takes to turn away from the temptations. To say no to sin.

Spiritual disciplines like fasting, prayer, and reading the Bible aid in the work toward saying no to sin. When we practice spiritual disciplines, we are strengthening our ability to be dicisplined in all areas of life. Especially in the areas where temptations lie.

That is not to say if you practice fasting you will never sin again. But, the Holy Spirit gives us power over our temptations. He is our helper and He helps indeed.

“No temptation has come upon you except what is common to humanity. But God is faithful; he will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13 CSB)

The temptations we face are not new. There is no sin that surprises God. And He is faithful. He does not just watch from above as sin runs rampant in the world. He provides a way out from sin.

We must practice discipline in our lives. Self-control over temptations. As hard as it may seem to not scratch that itch, whatever it may be, God provides what we need in order to endure. We will not be overcome by the darkness of this world. I know there is sin and temptation all around. But God is faithful. He walks with us. He strengthens us.

As my legs are burning, screaming to be itched, I am trying to practice discipline and not give in. As sin tries to creep into our lives, practice that discipline. Trust in God’s provision and strength. And use bug spray.