Temptation is a desire or craving for something, especially something considered wrong (Encarta Dictionary). It is out there, and it is everywhere.
I just had a brief conversation about temptation last night with one of my children. This conversation led to a prayer about it. Christian or not, you will be tempted. Yes. Yes you will. And you’re not the only one. Jesus was tempted too. Just because you are a Christian doesn’t give you a temptation-free super power. Oh how I wish it did, but it doesn’t.
You may be tempted to do or say something that is wrong. Whatever the action is, do as you were taught before crossing the road and “Stop. Look. Listen.” Stop to see if you are entering into an area that you shouldn’t be going into. Look for signs of godlessness. If you’ve already taken a step into the tempting situation, look for a way out and listen to God’s voice telling you to “Run. Run this way my child.” He will provide you a way out.
Being tempted is not a sin. But when you succumb to that temptation, that “giving-in” is a sin.
In 1 Corinthians 10:13 we read, “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” (NLT)
“All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; He’ll always be there to help you come through it.” (MSG)
Did you see that? 1) You’re not alone. Others are tempted too and probably by the same temptation you’ve experienced. 2) God will never let you down! Call out to Him. 3) You may think, “I can’t take this anymore!” But if God didn’t think you could take it, He would allow it to happen. Be strong in the Lord. 4) God will help you overcome the temptation. You just have to remember to grab his hand, hold on tight, and walk away from it with the most awesome bodyguard ever.
The verse before that one says, “If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall.” 1 Corinthians 10:12
I often say, “Stand strong” to others. But I guess I should make sure I always add, “Stand strong in Christ.” I like how The Message translation says it in, “Don’t be so naive and self-confident. You’re not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget about self-confidence; it’s useless. Cultivate God-confidence.” Yikes! That’s another point I try to stress to others… “Be confident.” or “Have self-confidence.” But again, I believe I should change my words to “Have God-confidence.” I like it! I’m going to start using this. This reminds us that Who we are standing strong in and Who our confidence should come from and be in. God, and God alone.
I sit here and think about so many times in my life, and in others I love, where I could be very transparent now and give examples. But I’m pretty sure we all have our own stories to ponder on, and hopefully be grateful that those temptations were just that, temptations that didn’t become a full-fledge sin.
Ready? Stop. Look. Listen. Stand strong in Christ. Have God-confidence.
Blessings to you.
| September 4, “Walking in the Word” |