“And he (the devil) brought him (Jesus) to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: … And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” Luke 4
“Let us not, in any place, be off our watch.” Matthew Henry
“Preservation in danger is divinely pledged: shall I then create danger, either to put the promised security skeptically to the proof, or wantonly to demand a display of it? That were ‘to tempt the Lord my God,’ which, being expressly forbidden, would forfeit the right to expect preservation.” Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
“…who run before they are sent, who thrust themselves into perils to which they are not called…” Pulpit Commentary
I am learning that the human mind is not to be trusted no matter how happy sounding the words seem. Turning to God gives us wisdom and heedful listening to Him is the antidote to naïveté, imprudent decisions and reckless optimism. Before Plainfield I thought repeating a statement and then focusing on my on desires and decisions was adequate protection. This became sheer will power. When this did not work I became fearful and doubtful. As taught here it is a must to cultivate and protect our spiritual sense and this takes discipline, cultivating meekness, slowing down, and talking with God daily.
“Never act on first thoughts unless they be of good, God, but watch and separate the tares from the wheat. Learn by experience and careful comparison to know whence cometh your conclusions. Try the spirits before acting, look over the purpose that the enemy might be trying to accomplish and so avoid a snare.” by Mary Baker Eddy from WATCHES PRAYERS ARGUMENTS p. 114