“I passed by his garden and marked with one eye how the Owl and the Panther were sharing a pie; the Panther took the pie-crust, and gravy and meat, while the Owl had the dish and its share of the treat. When the pie was all finished, the Owl, as a boon, was kindly permitted to pocket the spoon; while the Panther received the knife and the fork with a growl, and concluded the banquet by eating the Owl.”

From this children’s rhyme by Lewis Carroll, it is obvious to even the most casual observer that this “wise” owl was flirting with disaster. Sharing a pie with a panther is foolish, and yet that is the way many people live their lives, even some Christians.

Solomon described a young man who was seduced by a woman of the night (Proverbs 7). You almost feel sorry for this naïve boy who was mesmerized by the flattering charm of her words and the intoxicating fragrance of her perfume – except for one fact: Solomon says that he was “a young man lacking sense, passing through the street near her corner, and he takes the way to her house” (7:7-8). This boy was no different than the owl. He was foolish. He teased himself with temptation, and put himself squarely in its way. He dared it to take him.

When I was a kid, I went to Barnum and Bailey circus a number of times. I liked to see the lion tamer put his head in the lion’s mouth. At that time he appeared quite courageous. Now, I look back and realize he was either stupid, proud, or both. God may promise a way for us to overcome temptation (1 Cor. 10:13). But He does not promise victory if we deliberately take the path to sin. Peter warns us that “the devil prowls about as a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Young people are like the owl when they hang around the drug crowd. They don’t plan to participate, just enjoy the thrill of being around daring people. Husbands and wives are like the owl too. They do it by developing close friendships with members of the opposite sex (other than their spouses). Preachers do it by carelessly counseling women without their wives presence. Christians who are particularly vulnerable to greed and selfish ambition get too close to the panther by collecting too many things, gathering with associates and friends whose entire world revolves around money and power, prestige, etc.

Is Joseph’s example is too radical for us! He ran, fled from the presence of temptation as fast as his legs would carry him. He abandoned opportunity for position and advancement. Are we smarter than him ? Or more spiritually mature? Can we eat pie with the panther and come away unscathed. The Bible says, “Flee immorality” (1 Cor. 6:18), “Flee from idolatry” (1 Cor. 10:14), “Flee youthful lusts” (2 Timothy 2:22). James said, “Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Note that YOU must first resist him, YOU must flee the temptation, or else he will have you for lunch just as the panther ate the unsuspecting owl.

One other thing: Our flight from temptation must be more than running away. It must be running to God. Usually, when my kids are afraid at night, they run to their parent’s room. We need to seek our Father’s help! The Bible says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble” (46:1,2). David said, “I will say of Jehovah, He is my refuge and my fortress; my God in whom I trust” (91:1-2). God is our greatest ally when we face our greatest adversary. Mike