Temptations! Fight or Flight

What value is there in fighting temptations that are ever-present? The other option is to be submissive to whatever life presents. Listen to Albert Camus’ rationale: "There are so many strong temptations, why not accept them as virtues." This attitude of nonresistance is dangerous, and the consequences can be devastating.

The cutting edge of temptation does not discriminate between the strong or weak, the deserving or undeserving, but God without fail provides an escape from its power. The apostle Paul gave this warning, "If someone is caught up in temptation, make every effort to rescue them, but keep on guard so that you are not tempted as well."

The value of fighting temptation is so you can keep a clean heart before God instead of guilt and anxiety pressing in on you. Winning the battle to defeat temptation is important because you can sympathize with others struggling to overcome its power. Fighting strengthens your commitment to Christ by building courage to face temptation’s next assault. 

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Be self-controlled and vigilant always, for your enemy the devil is always about, prowling like a lion roaring for its prey. Resist him, standing firm in your faith, remembering that the strain is the same for all your fellow-Christians in other parts of the world.

~1 Peter 5:8-9 Phillips – New Testament in Modern English

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Temptation's Cutting Edge

The cutting edge of temptation plunges deep regardless of a person’s faith, education, or lifestyle. Some blame God for the reality of temptation they must face as well as their failure to escape its demands. Whatever the source of temptation, submitting to its enticement is a choice. Freedom to choose is a privilege but may result in painful consequences.

Someone recently declared, "Wouldn't it be wonderful to go back to college with the wisdom I possess today? Learning is a joy now that I’m not so distracted by youthful temptations.” Those words reflect maturity that has come from the power to resist temptations’ enticements.

When temptation’s cutting edge is pressing in, remember God did not create it but will, in his mercy, provide an escape. Remember these words from James 1:12: "Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he has stood the test, he shall receive the crown of life God has for those who love him."

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There isn’t any temptation that you have experienced which is unusual for humans. God, who faithfully keeps his promises, will not allow you to be tempted beyond your power to resist. But when you are tempted, he will also give you the ability to endure the temptation as your way of escape.

~1 Corinthians 10:13 God’s Word Translation

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Temptation's False Assurances

It's within human nature to be shoved up against the cutting edge of temptation. The allurement to what’s forbidden harasses us to step outside our moral and spiritual boundaries. Adam and Eve were tempted to pursue what was forbidden, and the temptation blinded them to the truth of God's word.

Imagine Adam and Eve thinking, "Surely there isn’t anything wrong with eating this one piece of fruit." How many have fallen into temptation after consuming this type of logic and reasoning? Once you’ve submitted to temptation’s enticement and authority, your power to resist is cut away by false assurances.

Cutting-edge temptation is presented as beneficial and pleasing. However, falling into temptation leaves you wounded with grief and regret since a slice of your integrity has been discarded. Yet Jesus Christ invites you to seek his redemptive love, for it will cleanse your heart and soul. Sin’s consequences cannot compete with faith that clings to God’s love and forgiveness.  

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Turn to the Lord and pray to him, now that he is near. Let the wicked leave their way of life and change their way of thinking. Let them turn to the Lord, our God; he is merciful and quick to forgive.  

~Isaiah 55:6-7 Good News Bible

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Preparing for Temptation's Assault

It's not a question of whether temptation will confront you, but how to prepare for its assault. Each person is unique in how temptation pierces their vulnerabilities. Some people are not in danger of submitting to a specific temptation but fail miserably when confronted in another category.

While an adulterous relationship is prohibited, a cutting-edge, secret emotional affair could be rationalized because no one would know and, supposedly, no harm is done. Yet emotional affairs create irreparable damage because faithfulness is compromised in the heart of the person.

Listen to Jesus from Matthew 5:28. “Do not commit adultery. But I tell you: anyone who looks at the opposite sex with lust is guilty of adultery in their heart.” You can prepare for cutting-edge temptation by seeking wisdom and truth from God’s word. Accept that temptation is evil and ask God for strength to escape its grasp. He will provide an escape for you. And thank him!                   

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“Keep alert and pray. Otherwise, temptation will overpower you. For the spirit indeed is willing, but how weak the body is!”

~Matthew 26:41 The Living Bible

 

All thanks to God, then, who gives us the victory over these things through our Lord Jesus Christ!

~1 Corinthians 15:57 Phillips – New Testament in Modern English

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Cutting-edge Temptations

 Every stage of life may present opportunities that were previously unavailable due in part to character development and maturity. In contrast to opportunities, temptations always are present to disrupt the success of an opportunity. The snare of temptation can be disguised in what appears acceptable, even beautiful and pleasurable.

Each person, Christian or otherwise, will be faced with the cutting edge of temptation. Jesus was tempted to take the easy way instead of the road to the cross. Satan tempted Jesus with worldly power and glory in place of being God’s suffering servant. Satan’s temptations denied the cost to be paid for the redemption of mankind.

Cutting-edge temptations attempt to slice away your trust and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. It's important to model Jesus’ response to Satan’s temptations. He confronted Satan with God’s word. This is your defense, for God’s word is sharper than temptation’s cutting edge or anything that evil hurls at you.  

              

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Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”

~Matthew 4:10 New International Version

 

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

~Hebrews 4:12 New Living Translation

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Action Rather Than Contemplation

 What does it mean to be up against the cutting edge of life? Jacob Bronowsky, the Polish-born mathematician wrote in the Ascent of Man, “The world can only be grasped by action, not by contemplation, for the hand is the cutting edge of the mind.” God intended for us to press against the boundaries of our capabilities in order to manage what life presents.

Our brain is designed to learn and develop throughout life, and the hands are to form and create what the mind conceives. It's apparent that cutting-edge innovations can be used either for the benefit of mankind or for any evil humans are capable of devising. Consider the benefit the internet has provided, but this cutting-edge technology also appeals to our depravity.

With every innovation it is important to apply God's intended purpose for the benefit of all people. How is the Lord God using your mind and hands to serve as cutting-edge instruments to further his purposes? Endeavor to keep that as your personal life assignment.   

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For it is God who is working in you, enabling you both to desire and to work out his good purpose.

~Philippians 2:13 Holman Christian Standard Bible

May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us – yes, establish the work of our hands.

~Psalm 90:17 New International Version

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Confronting Generational Challenges

Every generation is confronted with challenges to long-established ways of thinking that previously provided stability and security for daily life. September 11, 2001, brought home the undeniable reality that the wall of safety surrounding America could be breached by terrorists intending to instill fear that the conquest of our nation was possible.

Fear is a powerful emotion and is inescapable because so much in life is beyond our absolute control. Almost every day something is interjected into our lives that disrupts our predictable routines. It could be a minor event or some cutting-edge crisis with the power to turn our world upside down.

Faith is God’s antidote to fear and anxiety. When faced with fear and anxiety, faith in God’s power will stymie its impact. Cutting-edge faith is needed in a world of cutting-edge technologies and social advances. Cutting-edge faith hinges on the conviction that God’s purpose and plan will prevail.                           

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I, your God, have a firm grip on you and I’m not letting go. I’m telling you, “Don’t panic. I’m right here  to help you.”

~Isaiah 41:13 The Message

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Life Demands Necessary Adjustments

 When you consider a cutting edge, it could refer to a knife, a saw blade, or any tool used for shaping or carving. The laser beam is a prime example of cutting-edge technology. It is used for numerous surgeries and military weapons, but the extent of its applications is yet to be discovered.

Cutting-edge technologies encompass every facet of science, including the complexities of the universe. Consider the James Webb telescope and its laser-focused sight that keeps it in alignment. Eventually, unimagined innovations will reach out and touch us as we experience future cutting-edge technologies.

Such challenges test our character strengths to determine if we have the flexibility to make the necessary adjustments life demands. Listen to Psalm 53:3. “When I am afraid, I will put my confidence in you. Yes, I will trust in your promises, O Lord my God.” What better way to live up against the cutting edge of every challenge life presents?  

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“Forget the things that happened in the past. Do not keep on thinking about them. See, I am about to do something new. It is beginning to happen even now. Don’t you see it coming? I am going to make a way for you to go through the desert. I will make streams of water in the dry and empty land.”

~Isaiah 43:18-19 New International Reader’s Version 

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Interlinking Attitudes and Bridge Building

Attitudes and bridge building are naturally linked together. An attitude reflects a state of mind that affects your life. Bridge building is the process of structuring a mindset to reach an objective that enhances life. Hatred builds a bridge to alienation while goodwill and love strengthen the best of what society offers.

Your attitude can be good or bad, positive or negative. Attitudes evolve over a period of time and are intertwined with what we believe and what we treasure in life. Attitudes reflect values that are optimistic or pessimistic and become evident in emotionally charged situations.

Attitudes and bridge building are constantly evolving to orchestrate the contributions we make to the Kingdom of God here on earth. A life committed to Christ Jesus and the family of God will not waste away the days on meaningless pursuits. So press on to God’s high calling that centers on his purpose for you.                            

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Now your attitudes and thoughts must all be constantly changing for the better.

~Ephesians 4:23 The Living Bible 

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Making a Personal Life Inventory

The desire to be found worthy of God's blessings should surpass all other goals and objectives in life. This can be accomplished by committing  your life completely in faith to Jesus as Lord and Savior. You will build a bridge to a worthwhile life by entrusting to Christ Jesus all you are and hope to be.

God honors the need to provide for your family when you’re committed to God’s word and society’s laws. There are times when a spiritual assessment must be taken to evaluate what you’ve accomplished with the opportunities God has provided and will continue to provide

When a crisis of any magnitude disconnects your life from its usual patterns, a personal life inventory is required to get back on track. The choices you make can build a bridge to a clear conscience and renewed fellowship. The Holy Spirit provides wisdom and courage for pressing onward to accomplish his high calling for you. God bless you always.  

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Search me, O God, and know my heart; test my thoughts. Point out anything you find in me that makes you sad, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

~Psalm 139:23-24 The Living Bible

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Living a Worthwhile Life

If you were asked to choose what matters most in making life worthwhile, what would you say? Through the ages, philosophers have believed that all of life is a search for meaning and purpose. Jesus said, "I am come that you may have life in all its fullness," which implies he gives meaning and purpose for every aspect of life.

Making the most of life includes living under the umbrella of the provisions Jesus promised for those who believe and trust in him. Faith in Christ builds a bridge to the fullness of life, the knowledge that nothing can separate you from his love, which includes forgiveness and freedom from the penalties of guilt and shame.

The fullness Jesus provides includes an optimistic attitude about the purpose God designed for you that has eternal value. By God’s grace and mercy, you are able to lay up treasures in heaven that are incorruptible and can never be lost. So give thanks to God for his goodness and kindness.      

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Do not store up riches for yourselves here on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and robbers break in and steal. Instead, store up riches for yourselves in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and robbers cannot break in and steal. For your heart will always be where your riches are.

~Matthew 6:19-20 Good News Bible

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Attitude's Link to Happiness

How do you account for the happiness and satisfaction you experience each day? Some would say family life and closeness with loved ones play a major part. Others might say financial status and the security of a career. Faith and trust in Jesus Christ rank high on what gives meaning and purpose to most Christians.

Is there a particular image of yourself that you present to others, either consciously or unconsciously? Your eyes, a smile, a frown, your  voice are indicators of a positive or negative attitude that you project about your life. Your attitude determines the degree of happiness and purpose you experience in everyday life.

Attitudes are linked to your values, the way you feel about yourself, and what you believe is the meaning and purpose of life. Attitudes are bridge builders, for they determine your success or failure. Have you considered that Christ Jesus is the giver of wisdom and truth for discovering peace and joy in life?                           

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Be happy in the Lord, always! I’ll say it again: Be happy! … Finally, my fellow Christians, keep your minds on all that is true or noble, right or pure, lovely or appealing, on anything that is excellent or that deserves praise…Then the God of peace will be with you.  

~Philippians 4:4,8-9 Beck – New Testament in the Language of Today

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Inclusion Versus Separation

The English poet John Donne was best known for writing, "No man is an island entire of itself; everyman is a piece of the continent, … any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind." Donne’s words are not acceptable to those who advocate, "Do not lean on anyone and let no one lean on you."

Jesus reminded us in Luke's 6:32 to "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap." Realizing your life counts for something special is accomplished by extending yourself to others in a way that is helpful and appreciated.

Mohandas Gandhi reminds us, "No sacrifice is worth the name unless it is a joy. Sacrifice and a long face are incompatible." Jesus defines the meaning of sacrifice: "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends." Jesus counts you as his friend.  

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With Jesus’ help we will continually offer our sacrifice of praise to God by telling others of the glory of his name. Don’t forget to do good and to share what you have with those in need, for such sacrifices are very pleasing to him.  

~Hebrews 13:15-16 The Living Bible

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