(Matthew 14:6-8)"But when Herod's birthday came, the daughter of Herodias was dancing before them, and Herod was pleased with her. So he gave her his word with an oath to let her have whatever she might make request for. And she, at her mother's suggestion, said, Give me here on a plate the head of John the Baptist." - (The Bible in Basic English)

The Bible includes stories of deception. Examples include Eve and the serpent in the garden and this story of the daughter of Herodias charming Herod into giving her the head of John the Baptist on a plate.

How easily we turn away from what we would do, from what we should do. We lose faith because of the slightest little bauble or the thinnest tin horn. We find make-up, fancy clothing, jewelry, cars, jobs, status and position attractive. Any of these can slip into our lives and force a diversion to serving Jesus.

Living in the world but not of the world is a difficult task. We are subject to temptation, and to easy failure because the serpent knows where we are weakest. The serpent strikes at us when we are vulnerable. He takes advantage of our weaknesses just as the daughter of Herodias struck at the male vanity of Herod. She got her wish after charming him with her body in dance.

The dance, which provided brief entertainment for a man swept away by the power of a woman's body, cost John the Baptist his life and his continuing personal witness in Palestine. A cheap thrill cost residents of that community one of the most powerful witnesses for God ever.

Each of us has a unique, powerful witness to share. The pleasures of the world deceive us just as they did Herod. Weakened, we give in to temptation. We fail to live our Christian commitment. We fail ourselves and our Lord.

Despite our failings our Lord forgives us. We ask, he forgives, we try again. Our lives are similar to the people of the Old Testament Hebrew nation which wandered about, contacted God, developed faith, committed sin and fell from favor. This catch 22 pattern repeats itself in our lives today. We break it only by turning our lives over to God and asking for His help.