Kryptonite

“It’s like this thing is my kryptonite,” my friend said to me through teary eyes, “I just wish this was easier to say no to.”

Have you ever stared a temptation in the face and wondered if Satan designed it perfectly for you? That one thing that always seems to drag you back down? That one mountain that feels so impossible to climb?

I’ve walked alongside friends, students, and loved ones who have struggled in moments where sin and destruction were pounding at their door. And sometimes we don’t realize where we’re straying. But other times the will of God is clear, and we wrestle with obeying. Have you been there? I know I have.

I was reading 1 Kings this past week and was struck by the story of King Solomon. He’s the son of David, one of the most famous, beloved biblical characters - a phenomenal king who was a man after God’s own heart. His son Solomon had an incredible path laid out for him. He was destined for greatness, known for having great wisdom, all signs pointing to a long life of success and a deep relationship with God. Until he met his match. We all have that thorn in our side, our “kryptonite,” that one sin struggle that is so overwhelming. For some, it’s greed and envy. For others, it’s alcohol and substances. For Solomon it was love.  

King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women besides Pharaoh’s daughter—Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites. They were from nations about which the Lord had told the Israelites, “You must not intermarry with them, because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods.” Nevertheless, Solomon held fast to them in love. He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives led him astray. As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father had been… So Solomon did evil in the eyes of the Lord; he did not follow the Lord completely, as David his father had done.

- 1 Kings 11:1-6

The Lord responds to Solomon with a lot of grace. But consequences still follow, his enemies rise up, and ultimately his son is left with the aftermath, as the kingdom is taken from his hands. Solomon was destined for greatness, but even he could still fall. For Solomon, it was love. What is it for you? Where is the area in your life where the enemy can so quickly convince you his way is better than God’s?

I believe, when we face our sin, name our struggles, and own our brokenness, we begin to gain power over the distractions from the enemy.

Friend, Solomon’s story is one of warning. It’s one that pushes us to obedience. But I have good news - our story doesn’t have to end like his! With the resurrection of Christ comes the new covenant. Jesus paid the ultimate price so we wouldn’t have to deal with the punishment. With that victory, we then have the chance to seek him and find further obedience, growth, and sanctification. I wonder how your struggles and “kryptonite” might change if we press into Jesus during our times of temptation. How differently might those stories go if we choose to lean into the triumphant power of Christ, rather than giving in to the powerful pull of our broken world.

As followers of Jesus, our sin doesn’t change our standing with God, but it does change our fellowship with Him. When we walk away from Him, towards the idols of this world, naturally our connection with Him changes.

But when we are aware of our temptations, when we name our struggles, and when we seek accountability and change, the Holy Spirit gives us victory over our “kryptonite.”

I don’t know what footholds the enemy has for you. But I know that a relationship with Jesus will always be more fulfilling, more beautiful, and more eternal. I don’t know how hard your struggle is, but I know the only result of sin is death and destruction. So let’s press into our Savior and invite Him into the process. Let’s be honest with our mentors and table groups. Let’s bring light into the darkness.

I don’t know your Solomon story. But I know there is a God who conquered sin, death, and destruction for you 2000 years ago. And I know He’ll do it again each and every day with you and for you. Let’s trust Him.

Cristina Schmitter

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