ORCHARD OF TEMPTATION

It happened in a garden

as did the First Temptation.

The sight and aroma of fruit

nearly overwhelmed Human Heart.

The fruit wasn't ripe yet,

but it looked luscious!

His hearty appetite lured him,

the proximity of the fruit

and its accessibility

intoxicated him,

compelling him to reach for it

regardless of consequences.

Rational Heart tapped him on the shoulder.

Human Heart whirled around

startled at the touch—

he thought he was alone

with his temptation, with his choice.

"The fruit isn't mature," Rational Heart

stated simply.

"It's better to wait."

Human Heart flushed, his craving

intensified by negative advice.

"I don't want to wait!

"You'll find it sour.

A bitter, puckery taste

will linger in your mouth...."

"I don't care!

It will be sweet to me," Human Heart

murmured passionately.

"...and your stomach will ache."

"Leave me alone!"

"Think of the fruit then,"

argued Rational Heart.

“The seeds in unripe fruit are still imperfect.

Picking fruit prematurely aborts

their natural development.

You will interfere with the future."

"But the fruit will satisfy me!"

countered Human Heart,

tormented by his desire.

"Fruit picked unripe is

intemperate gluttony,"

persisted Rational Heart

more sternly now.

"Lust is desire out of control,

raw, passionate presumption."

"But how long

do you expect me to wait?

It is well into the season.

I have already waited too long."

Rational Heart reasoned,

"Some fruit is ripe in spring,

other fruit takes longer

into the heat of summer.

Some of the most delicious

ripens slowly

and must be patiently waited for.

Not until after the first kiss

of autumn's frost will it nearly burst

with well-matured sweetness."

Human Heart cried out in anguish:

"But it will be too late!

The fruit will be spoiled!

I may not be around to pick it!

Someone else will get here first!

It may become wrinkled, shriveled, dry

before I can enjoy it.

I must pick it while I can!"

"Nature makes no mistakes,"

asserted Rational Heart.

"It will not be too late.

The taste of fully ripe fruit

is better than wine.

You will eat it with great pleasure

like nectar on your lips

and milk and honey under your tongue

in full season.

Your patience will be rewarded

with full satisfaction at last!"

Human Heart pondered his plight,

perspiring with his inward struggle,

tantalized by his burning desire

for immediate fulfillment.

He mentally weighed his immediate craving

against the prospect of deferred delight.

Then he made his decision....

****

From THE RESOURCE BOOK

Song of Solomon 4:10-16

1 Corinthians 10:13

Psalm 106:13-15