As far as compliments go that's pretty good ... but is it good enough?
How about this: "So-and-so is so trustworthy, he (or she) could be alone in a room all night with your spouse and nothing would happen."
You probably have friends who're that trustworthy, but let's take things a little bit further.
"So-and-so's faith is so great, he (or she) could be locked in a room piled high with stacks of hundred dollar bills, three super-models and a suitcase filled with drugs and alcohol and nothing would happen."
Wow, now that's a bold statement, isn't it? I think I've got some friends whose faith is that great.
But did you notice how the third example was a little different? The period of time changed ... to a weekend ... two half-days and two full nights. That means So-and-so is likely to get thirsty, and probably a little hungry, too. And this time the hypothetical room's locked, too.
So where's So-and-so gonna get nourishment? Maybe the super-models are plush with burgers and bottled water, and maybe they're not big fans of sharing ... but they are big fans of negotiating. What's So-and-so gonna do?
And what about boredom? Without TV, books or the web, So-and-so is probably gonna start looking for a distraction ... entertainment ... to ease the tedium.
If you feel like hollering "I could stay in a room full of cash and tranquilizers, pain pills and alcohol with three members of the opposite sex for an entire month and promise not to touch any of them," go stand in front of the mirror and slap that self-righteous scowl off your face.
Then think about this: maybe I missed mentioning your favorite sin, but you're already staying in a big room called the World.
See, the World's got more cash and more sexual temptation and more drugs and mind-numbing sensations than would fit in a room the size of Fort Knox. The World's a big place chock-full of big temptations ... and whether you're hungry for nourishment, entertainment or pleasure the World's willing to step forward and make it available.
It's just a matter of time.
--- ---
How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to your word.
By living according to your word.
I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
- Pslam 119: 9-11
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
- 1 Peter 2: 2-3
Meanwhile his disciples urged him, "Rabbi, eat something."
But he said to them, "I have food to eat that you know nothing about."
Then his disciples said to each other, "Could someone have brought him food?"
"My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.
- John 4: 31-34
