Resisting the Snake

An old Indian legend is told about a young boy who gave in to temptation. Many years ago, an Indian youth hiked a tall rugged mountain, capped with dazzling snow. When he reached the top he stood on the rim of the world. He could see forever, and his heart swelled with pride. Then he heard a rustle at his feet, and looking down, he saw a snake. Before he could move, the snake spoke. 

“I am about to die,” said the snake. “It is too cold for me up here and I am freezing. There is no food and I am starving. Put me under your shirt and take me down to the valley.”  “No,” said the youth. “I am forewarned. I know your kind. You are a rattlesnake. If I pick you up, you will bite, and your bite will kill me. “Not so,” said the snake. “I will treat you differently. If you do this for me, you will be special. I will not harm you.” 

The youth resisted awhile, but this was a very persuasive snake with beautiful markings. At last the youth tucked it under his shirt and carried it down to the valley. There he laid it gently on the grass, when suddenly the snake coiled, rattled, and leapt, biting him on the leg. “But you promised...” cried out the youth in pain. “You knew what I was when you picked me up.” said the snake as it slithered away.

The boy knew the danger of touching the snake yet he gave in to the temptation. The devil is so subtle in his temptations that sometimes it can seem harmless, but the results are painful. Giving in to temptation will hurt your spiritual growth.

Source: DITW, June 22, 2008