Temptation Will Come...Are You Ready For It?

"The temptation once yielded to gains power. The crack in the embankment which lets a drop or two ooze through is soon a hole which lets out a flood." - Alexander MacLaren

There's not a single person alive that hasn't battled temptation in one form or another. Our world is chock-full of enticements that are just begging us to take the bait. It (temptation) comes in all shapes, sizes, and forms; and can rear its ugly head at any time.

Is it unavoidable? Sadly, no. Temptation will always be with us, probing for a weak spot or opening where it can enter our lives. It doesn't have any specific type of person that it favors over another. Nor does it matter where you live, or what your income or station in life is. We are all vulnerable to it.

The Bible tells us that we all encounter temptation. If it makes you feel any better, even Jesus Christ was subjected to temptation. But, don't blame God for it because He isn't the source of temptation, though He does allow it. (James 1:13)

It's all part of His plan for us. He provided us with something called "free will," which in turn comes into play when we are tempted. So you see, God isn't going to decide whether we succumb to it or not. That choice is ours to make.

I realize that we don't necessarily want to give in to temptation. But our flesh is too weak to resist, especially if we find our minds and bodies surrounded by indecent, immodest, and impure thoughts or circumstances. (Colossians 3:2)

As I mentioned above, we can't avoid temptation. However, we can resist it. Again, our flesh is too weak to resist temptation on our own. We need some sort of game plan if we are to have a fighting chance. Fortunately, Jesus Christ provided us with a powerful example in Matthew 4:1-11.

It's important to note that in order to confront and conquer temptation we need a change in the way we "think and do," if we are to circumvent sin. Simply being tempted is not a sin. However, acting on temptation that leads to sin is. That's why it's always best to look towards God for a way out when it crosses your path. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

We must seek help from Christ to get us back on the right track. Without question, the best weapon we have against it is God's Word. By consistently nourishing our hearts and minds with it, we build up our defenses against temptation. And with God's assistance, we are better able to face temptation head-on.

Scripture: Ephesians 6:11; Luke 22:40; 1 Peter 4:12; Galatians 5:17; 2 Timothy 4:18

Prayer: Dear God, I pray that You will free my heart from any thought of temptation that might keep me apart from Your Holy Spirit. Amen

Have a blessed Monday!

Hailey