No one expected that Fire Base Mary Ann in Vietnam would be hit by the enemy. This was especially true of the men of the 1st Battalion, 46th Infantry, who manned it. Yet the base was hit and more than forty GI’s perished!

In speaking of the tragic incident, an officer commented, “There were so many holes in the perimeter wire around the base that the GI’s seldom bothered to use the gates. They walked right through the wire to go to the water hole. Many of the claymore mines did not work because their electric wires were corroded, Their guards against the enemy were down.”

Many go down in defeat because of failure to keep their guards up. They live in ease and indifference, while the enemy, Satan, never takes a vacation. He is ever alert and aggressive. The Bible says: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour” (I Peter 5:8).
There is no haven on planet earth where temptation is unknown. Even the blessed Garden of Eden was invaded by the enemy. No one is immune from temptation. It is important then to keep up a good defense. And to learn to say “No!”

Probably some contact today will offer opportunities to do wrong. Few like to sin alone. Misery loves company and those who are overcome by temptation often seek to lure others into the same trap, thus bolstering their sagging self esteem. “Everybody’s doing it” seems to make sin less sinful.

But Solomon’s advice is as good today as when it was given: “…if sinners entice thee, consent not.”