Let's take a look at Samson!  1.  He broke the rules!   The relationship he formed destroyed him.  The Bible warns: "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers" (2Cor 6:14).  An ox and a donkey cannot work together in the same harness.  Why?  Because their natures are different!  When God says "no" to certain things He's not being difficult, He's being protective.  Heed Him.  2.  He lived by his impulses!  He thought he was in love when he was only in heat.  When confronted about his relationship choices he replied, "She pleases me well" (Judges 14:3).  Before it was over he became a laughing stock.  Peter writes; "Abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul" (1 Peter 2:11 NIV).  In war the strongest side wins, so keep your impulses in check.  3.  He misused his gift!  Samson exploited his God-given strength for personal gain.  God gives us gifts to fulfill His purpose, not ours.  When we misuse them, we end up in trouble.  4.  He was blind to his weakness.  You may not like to believe that your private imperfections will have public consequences, but you can't escape what you are.  If Satan attacked Jesus three times in the wilderness, he's not going to give you a free pass.  Protect yourself!  Satan always attacks those who are in line for God's blessing!  Why does God make such a big deal of this?  Because sin hurts us, and anything that hurts one of His children makes Him angry!

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