He asks you to dance … nothing more. His smooth appearance and charm intrigue you. “Finally!” you think to yourself, “A real gentleman I can enjoy.” No commitment, just two strangers sharing the pleasure of moving to the rhythm of a familiar song. He dances so well! And then it’s over. The song ends, he softly kisses your hand, and he’s gone. He’s all the way across the room before you have a chance to say a word.
Time passes and you’re caught up in conversation with others, but you vaguely notice out of the corner of your eye that he’s dancing with another … and another … and another. You remember what it was like when he danced with you—the beguiling look in his eyes, the warmth of his breath on your cheek, the strength of his arms guiding you. But don’t be silly. It was only one dance. Still, you might really like to have just one more, wouldn’t you?
And then, while your back is turned and you’re in deep conversation with another, you feel a soft tap on your shoulder and you know it’s him. “Care to dance?” he asks. It’s impossible to imagine, but he’s even more attractive to you than before. But, wait … is there something in his voice you don’t quite remember hearing last time?
“Sure!” you giggle with an oh-so-slight hesitation. “Why not?” After all, you can always stop dancing if you get tired.
The music starts, but it seems louder this time and there’s a disturbing back beat you didn’t notice before. Is it your imagination or is his grasp tighter, and … are those really his fingernails you feel digging into your back? But the music swells and it is so transfixing that you close your eyes for just a moment. You wish this dance could go on forever. You feel so in control … like you really belong.
Suddenly, he steps on your toes. As you try to pull back you can’t seem to help yourself. His grip gets tighter and you feel his hot breath in your ear as he whispers, “You can’t stop now—dance with me … dance with me … dance with me ….” And you tell yourself, just once more won’t hurt ….
When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.
Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. James 1:13-15 (NIV)
