Keith Daniel made a statement that I don't think I'll ever forget. He was talking about guarding our eyes against lust. But it could be applied to about any area of temptation.
He said:
"When David saw Bathsheba washing herself, the first look wasn't his fault.
But the second look was."
Think of all of the second looks, thoughts, etc. that we entertain when it comes to sin.
"I shouldn't say anything. But....."
And then we go ahead and say what our conscience just told us would be wisest not to say about someone.
"Oh, this isn't what I expected. I should stop reading it. But... I have to finish this page."
And then we go ahead and read to the end of the paragraph or page.
"That thought is not of good report. I shouldn't even think about it anymore. But... "
And we find ourselves fascinated by the thought of something new we have just learned about someone or something.
The second look happens when our heart has been drawn towards something.
And frequently, we find our hearts drawn to things that grieve our Heavenly Father. Perhaps it is plain evil, or perhaps it is sin just because it is not ours to have or covet right now.
Lot's wife in the Genesis account, turned back for one last look at Sodom as they fled the city - because her heart was there. She loved Sodom, a place that blasphemed God with every action and motive. Perhaps she didn't love all of the immorality. Maybe it grieved her heart, as it did Lot's. Perhaps what she loved was the ease and pleasure, the operas, and fine arts and fun that was to be had there. But she was willing to compromise and love an ungodly place for the comforts it afforded her.
The first thought of wrong - anything that displeases God - is not sin. The second thought - my voluntary choice to continue thinking, to take another look, another listen, IS.
But every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
James 1: 14,15
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