Samson's Eye Problem

After humbly calling on the Lord, Samson “judged Israel in the days of the Philistines twenty years” (Jgs 15:20). But when he went to Gaza, he got entangled again in his old sinful ways (Prov 24:16). Gaza was a Philistine stronghold that’s also known for its wickedness and idolatry. It certainly was not a place for the judge of Israel to hang around! As “salt of the earth” (Mt 5:13), and “light of the world” (Mt 5:14), God’s children (Jn 1:12), should never be found in places where we are surrounded by sin and “in company with the workers of iniquity” (Job 34:8). We are warned not to enter “the path of the wicked” (Prov 4:14), but to “avoid it” (Prov 4:15)! We should never go to places like bars, nightclubs, or casinos.

 We have a duty to reject and not embrace the sinful lifestyle (2 Cor 6:17). Because we have a direct responsibility to obey our Lord Jesus (2 Pet 3:18), Who saved us by His grace and “called us with an holy calling” (2 Tim 1:9). We need to stand for what is right and to protect our testimony (1 Cor 10:13). We would rather be scorned by sinners (Prov 15:12), than be scarred by sin (Ps 147:3), which could adversely affect our loved ones! Christians who have been delivered from alcoholism should avoid places where liquor is available and learn how to say no to friends that entice them to drink (Ps 1:1).

Those who have problems with lust (Prov 6:25), should avoid Internet sites that contain pornography. This was Samson’s problem when “he saw” a harlot in Gaza that led him to sin. In the end, God removed the source of his iniquity by allowing the Philistines to put out his eyes (Jgs 16:21). We must always take steps to guard our eyes from the things that could defile us (Ps 101:3), or cause covetousness (Rom 7:7), and lustful thoughts (Job 31:1). We must not let sin destroy us and everything we love! God bless you!

- Pastor Melito Barrera