what is a parasite? It is something that grows by robbing the host of nutrition, causing the host to become diseased. Sin is the only parasite that affects all of humanity. It invades us, robs us, diseases us. Sin enters through things we like and enjoy. No one intends to get involved in sin to the point that they lose their lives and their families. But, sometimes sin looks so inviting and it tempts us with perceived happiness.

You can't control sin. Don't try to walk the line because eventually you'll lose. The devil will always tempt you with a deal, a compromise. Understand that that compromise will destroy your life. Where is the loyalty in sin?

What is your addiction? Drugs, alcohol, tobacco, pornography...sure, those are the obvious ones that everyone gravitates toward when the question is brought up. One might even think that "we'll I'm free of all of those, so I'm safe." But, what about addiction to work? Addiction to self-sufficiency? Addictions to material items? Addiction to approval from others? These lesser discussed addictions affect many more people, yet are tough to see with the naked eye. You need to learn to break these addictions.

Remember: No one is ever alone in temptation. Everyone has felt its pull, even Jesus. If you face temptation, you are not engaged in sin. It only becomes a sin once you give in to it. Sin is sin. There is nothing that is acceptable in this to God. But there is something to standing up to temptation and rejecting it; there is always an escape hatch. God promises that. Often, however, we miss the mark by declining to use the escape hatch.

Here are some ways to help cope with temptation:

1. Hide God's Word in your heart.
2. Defeat the parasites by beginning to walk with Him. When He leads, you follow. Constantly remind yourself to check what you are feeding yourself. What are you watching? Who are you listening to? Stop feeding your mind with the garbage of this world. What garbage do you let your children feast on? Crucify that away from your life daily.
3. Resist the devil. If you stand up and fight, he will leave you.
4. Realize the consequence of having a parasite in your life. Sin gives birth to death.

This week's Love Dare is to (a) identify the parasites in your life and (b) ask your spouse to overcome that parasite.