The Most Effective Spiritual Phrase We Can Ever Use

Bad night last night. I was in bed less than three hours when a disturbing dream woke me. Today, I feel ragged, listless and frazzled.

Such weariness leaves me open to a horde of temptations. Often when I feel physically weakest, I feel spiritually weakest also. I’d planned to proofread the Ward Diary today, but being tired out of my gourd makes me blurry and keenly aware that one click of my mouse will let me see what Bambi is not wearing today.

Realizing this a few minutes ago caused me to remember the most powerful expression of Christian spirituality we can ever use.

This simple phrase can save us from a world of trouble, anguish, aggravation, and temptation. It can remove us from the scene of danger and keep us from globs of dirt and clinging mud.

It works when the folks at the office begin to spout racist slurs and our silence can be taken for agreement. It’s effective when gossip begins to tickle our ears.

When the guys propose another round but you know you’ve reached your limit, all you have to do is utter this phrase.

When the jokes move from the adult risqué to the obscene, when illicit desires pull, when we are tempted to lie, when we feel that urge toward hypocrisy, when someone suggests we do something we know is evil, when someone bullies and needles to draw us into an argument, when the dealer suggests another hand, when peers pressure us toward what makes us feel uncomfortable, when the salesman urges us to overspend, when they pass the box of chocolate donuts — then this phrase allows us to escape without putting other people down or being judgmental about their words or actions.

In any of these situations, the stalwart Christian need only speak these deeply spiritual words for all to hear — and a way of escape immediately opens.

Here’s the secret:

When we find ourselves facing just about any temptation all we have to do is say, “Excuse me; I’m going to the bathroom”.

Then walk away and go into the bathroom.

St. Paul advised his junior friend Timothy, “Flee youthful lusts”.

Not fight.

Flee.

The most successful ship’s captain is the one who sails fartherest from the rocks.

Jesus said, “Resist not evil”. Who are we to fight the devil? We are to flee. To move off site. To go someplace else away from the danger of temptation.

Once, In one of his times of temptation, powerful 19^th Century London preacher Charles said, “The wings of a dove may be of more use to me to-day than the jaws of a lion”.

There are no new temptations. Every one we face is the common lot of man, but God is faithful and will always provide a way to escape so we can bear it.

And I find the easiest way to escape is to say, “Excuse me; I’m going to the bathroom now”.

There’s no arguing with that statement.

So, now that I’ve sat long at my computer this morning, and as I feel weary and drained, and as I begin thinking that Bambi is only one click away from this blog … Excuse me; I’m going to the bathroom now.