In ancient Arabia, a merchant, exhausted after travelling, pitched a tent to get some rest. He tethered his camel to a post outside the tent and gave it fodder and water. Then he lay down in the tent and went to sleep.
As soon as he began to doze off, the camel started to groan. With much humility, the animal asked the merchant, “Master, it is very hot outside. May I put my head inside the tent?” The merchant thought about it and figured that it would not cost him anything, so he agreed, “Yes, you may.” The camel put its head inside through the flaps of the tent.
No sooner had the merchant started to sleep when the camel stirred again, asking, “Master, I cannot bear the scorching heat outside. May I keep my front legs also inside the tent? The merchant thought that the camel must be tired from having walked such a long distance. He knew that if the camel did not properly rest, it could not carry the next day’s load. “Yes, you can put your front legs in also,” said his master, “but do not disturb my sleep anymore!”
Once again the merchant started to fall sleep. This time, however, the camel suddenly spread out its legs and kicked his half-asleep master out of the tent! Very often we are like the master in the above tale. The magnanimity which we show to sin leads sin to conquer us, kicking us out of the path which we are meant to be on. When sinful thoughts enter our minds, sometimes we decide to entertain them for a bit. Before long, we become trapped. Later, such a welcome to sin has altered our lives.
The most essential thing for a holy life is to keep vigilant, not allowing evil to trespass into our thoughts, emotions, and imaginations. The evil one asks permission to enter our minds and hearts innocuously. We may be blinded by beauty, riches, comfort, or fame. We think these things are harmless and that we are deserving of them. But seemingly harmless temptations can lead to our eternal damnation.
Satan is very cunning. Until he begins his death grip on us, he can appear to be gentle and calm. He pretends to be our good friend, advising us with good philosophies or ideologies. He consoles us by making us believe that the things he offers us are small, insignificant things. Or, he may tell us that we can enjoy some sins for a brief period of time and then repent of them later. Maybe he tells us that God is the one who forgives, so we do not have to forgive those who wrong us. He takes our side against God and man.
When you face this type of “camel” in your life, be very severe with him. When we show generosity towards the evil one and his paths, danger is certain.
Prayer:
God, even though I wish to live a holy life, I often fall into sin. Give me wisdom and power to resist sin at the outset. Redeem me from sinful thoughts and desires. I ask for Your grace to discern the evil one’s ways and to resist all temptations. Wrap me in Your holiness, O Lord. Amen.
