Conform to What IS Good

Life demands our time, devotion, and conformity. Students who wish to graduate must comply with the requirements of a curriculum. Those who serve in the military have to submit to a code of conduct and conform to a chain of command outlining authority. Employees consent and comply with the norms of company policy.

Do we as people, if given the choice, prefer life’s tasks to be achieved with only minimum effort and energy? It is important to avoid an attitude of nonconformity if being assured of acceptance is the major objective.  While conformity is necessary, it must be for the highest good.

Temptations' agenda is designed to deceive its victims into conforming with what appears good. Galatians 6:1 reminds us to keep a close watch over ourselves to prevent falling into temptation. Remember, no darkness is beyond the cutting-edge power of God's light; no sin is  beyond his deliverance. So, seek him with all your heart.                

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As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.

~1 Peter 1:14 New International Version

 

For from the very beginning God decided that those who came to him – and all along he knew who would – should become like his Son, so that his Son would be the First, with many brothers [and sisters]. And having chosen us, he called us to come to him; and when we came, he declared us “not guilty,” filled us with Christ’s goodness, gave us right standing with himself, and promised us his glory.

~Romans 8:29-30 The Living Bible

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The Reality of Temptation

Temptation is a reality each person eventually recognizes and then will ultimately decide on a course of action to manage it constructively. It is indisputable that temptation has an agenda and will make its presence known at the most inopportune times, especially a time when resisting seems impossible.

Conforming to the objectives of temptation involves submitting to its charm while disregarding your faith and morals. Agreeing emotionally, mentally, socially, and spiritually with temptation’s demands is a ticket to disaster. Temptation relentlessly pursues it victims, even in the presence of God’s grace and mercy.

The apostle Paul gives this advice for resisting temptation’s cutting edge: “Do not copy the customs and behavior of this world but let God transform you inwardly to a new and different person with a fresh newness in all you do and think.”  As you submit to God’s transforming grace, you’re empowered to resist the evil of temptation’s power.             

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God rescued us from dead-end alleys and dark dungeons. He’s set us up in the kingdom of the Son he loves so much, the Son who got us out of the pit we were in, got rid of the sins we were doomed to keep repeating.

~Colossians 1:13-14  The Message

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Temptation's Allies vs. Your Allies

In most wars, nations need allies to share the cost and manpower and to give moral support. In family conflicts parents will attempt to enlist children as allies against the other parent, knowing it’s unhealthy to do so. Fear and anger motivate triangulation of parent and child in opposing the other parent.

Temptation will enlist every resource to battle against a person's faith and values. Near the end of his reign, Saul faced a powerful enemy, so he enlisted the witch of Endor to bring up deceased Samuel’s spirit to give him encouragement and guidance.

Temptation’s allies were Saul's fear and the witch of Endor. Witches were then and now entirely forbidden for God's people to engage. Listen to Galatians 5:22-23’s list of resources God provides against temptation. Let “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control” be your source of power for winning against temptation.  

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Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed their evil desires to his cross and crucified them there.  

~Galatians 5:24 The Living Bible

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Never Give Up!

Human beings’ most significant quest beyond trusting in Christ Jesus is searching for a soul mate who will be a best friend for life. Just what is a soul mate? A soul mate is someone you can trust completely with your vulnerabilities, joys, and sorrows and who feels the same toward you.

So many couples submit to the temptation to settle for less than God intended out of fear there might never be another opportunity. Temptation tests your endurance, strength, and faith as well as your willingness to settle for less than God’s best. This is a major cause of regret and grief.

To give in is an easy option when temptation appears overwhelming. Yet you do not have to face temptation’s power in your own strength. God’s gift of faith is your ally in the battle against temptation’s power and allurement. His wisdom also exposes every deception hurled toward you. Never give up in your search for what God has prepared for you. Then you will rejoice and be glad.  

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If we are living now by the Holy Spirit’s power, let us follow the Holy Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.

~Galatians 5:25 The Living Bible

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The God-given Right to Choose

Very seldom does anything exist in total isolation. God in Genesis 1:26 declared, "Let us make man in our image,” implying Jesus was an equal participant in the creation of mankind. John 1:3 confirms with this reminder, “Through him all things were made.” God is creator of the family, where attachments endure for life.

Temptation entices its victims to discard God’s boundaries. Satan tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden to doubt God’s simple rules. Satan’s objective was to cripple her faithfulness to God. The cutting edge of temptation is filled with deception.

God did not abandon Eve to Satan’s power but gave her the option to choose. While we can't be perfect, God empowers us with wisdom and insight to fight every temptation. He does this because of his great love and desire for fellowship with us. Be wise and permit God to rescue you from the snare of temptation.  

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If any of you needs wisdom to know what you should do, you should ask God, and he will give it to you. God is generous to everyone and doesn’t find fault with them.

~James 1:5 God’s Word Translation

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God's Voice Cannot Be Silenced

Music appeals to just about everyone, and each person has a voice for singing, if only in private. Can you imagine a world without music? Music appeals to our heart and soul, mysteriously lifting our mood. Music has been instrumental in leading millions to Christ while giving others a desire to live for him.

Temptation is another convincing and powerful voice, but it can seduce only those who are willing to be conquered. The voice of Christ Jesus will never be silent, regardless of temptation’s effort to squelch it. When we submit to temptation's voice by shutting out God’s voice, we are in danger of experiencing severe consequences.

Listen to Isaiah 30:20-21. “Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the waters of affliction, you will hear God’s voice behind you saying, ‘No, this is the way, walk here.’” Proverbs 2:10 follows with, “For wisdom and truth will enter the very center of your being, filling you with life and joy.”

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Yes, he’s our God, and we’re the people he pastures, the flock he feeds. Drop everything and listen, listen as [God] speaks.

~Psalm 95:7 The Message

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A Sure Escape from Temptation's Snare

A strong feature of a child’s security is the comforting voices of family and caregivers. Nothing calms a troubled child or adult like the calming voice of a loving parent or trusted friend. Conversely, a persistent and angry voice trying to gain and maintain harsh, neurotic control can destroy faith and trust.

The internal voice we listen to is influential and powerful. Its intent can be godly and filled with goodness or, on the other hand, can direct us toward what is evil and sure to end in pain and grief. Our internal voice can be calm, urging us to be loving and kind, or saturated with anger or fear.

Temptation’s voice deceives and attempts to destroy your faith. God’s voice from Deuteronomy 30:19-20 instructs you on how to escape temptation’s snare. “Now choose life by choosing to love the Lord your God so that you and your children may live. Hold fast to him, for his voice leads to life and peace.” Believe this.

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Cry for help and you’ll find it is grace and more grace. The moment he hears, he’ll answer… [The Holy Spirit] will be right there, local and on the job, urging you on whenever you wander left or right.

~Isaiah 30:19-20 The Message

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Trust God's Voice

Research has determined that a fetus has developed the capacity to hear sounds outside the mother’s womb a few months after conception. A newborn baby can distinguish the mother's voice from all others. The baby's voice, expressed by crying, is also identifiable to its mother. The voice then becomes a significant mark of a person's identity.

Throughout the history of God's relationship with people, it's been his hushed, soft voice that has been the link for understanding and responding to his call. Another voice, like that of temptation, is influential as it becomes a source of suffering for those who submit to its cutting edge.

The voice of temptation is ingenious in its appeal as it entices you to respond. Even so, the voice of the Holy Spirit countermands temptation’s voice of deception. Listen to Psalm 95:7’s appeal to your heart: “Today, if you hear God’s voice, do not harden your heart.” The most important thing you can do is trust the loving voice of God.  

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Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you  on track.

~Proverbs 3:5-6 The Message

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Who Are the Spoilers?

Whatever resides in our minds has the power to pull us away from God’s truth and goodness. There has always been a spoiler whose purpose is to distort the truth God desires to give us. A spoiler can be peer pressure or internal pressure that we permit to stand between us and God’s protection and provision.

You may believe you are not subject to temptation, but enticements can be subtle. When I was a child, I was subject to distortions of God’s truth, but by his grace and mercy he provided insight and guidance. 1 Corinthians 13 demonstrates the process. “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, but now I have put away childish things.”

Deception’s objective is to disguise temptation as acceptable and pleasing, but God's light reveals its true dark nature. The Holy Spirit within you desires to be your guide and protector. He will not allow you to be  deceived as long as you determine to walk in the light Jesus provides.

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Jesus said to the people, “I am the Light of the world. So if you follow me, you won’t be stumbling through the darkness, for living light will flood your path.”

~John 8:12 The Living Bible

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Other People's Influence

Temptation from peer pressure is an issue because each person is subject to the political, spiritual, and social views of others. Yet James 1:15 declares, “It's our own evil desires that we have to monitor and subdue.” God has made it possible, however, for us to resist and overcome evil tendencies with the power he provides.

Outside influences create pressure our conscience and values must contend with when temptation’s cutting edge slices into our everyday life. Even so, we must guard against our own desires teaming up with outside forces to break down our resistance to these enticements.

Yes, vulnerabilities exist, but God makes it possible for us to resist peer pressure and temptation by accepting the escapes he provides. 1 John 4:4’s affirmation is, "You, dear children, belong to God and will defeat these enemies, for greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world." Believe God’s word. It’s powerful.

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Dear friend, if bad companions tempt you, don’t go along with them.

~Proverbs 1:10 The Message

 

Do not go where evil people go. Do not follow the example of the wicked. Don’t do it! Keep away from evil! Refuse it and go on your way.

~Proverbs 4:14-15 Good  News Bible 

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New Year Expectations for God's Purpose

Expectations are a powerful, driving force, so it’s important to be astute and perceptive in structuring your plans and objectives for the future. It’s possible for us to become arrogant with too much confidence in our self-importance. Then we forget that God Almighty has a place for us, including a specific purpose, and he will see it through to completion.

Understanding that should prompt us, to the best of our ability, to keep moving forward in a spirit of discovery to capture and live within the bounds of God’s purpose. So, what are you expecting God to reveal to you concerning his objective and purpose for this coming New Year?

Perhaps that’s something you could begin praying about today. Why seek God’s insight and approval? Expectations that agree with God’s purpose and plan compel us to give thanks and praise to him for his kindness. What can you possess that’s more satisfying and fulfilling than being a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ?  

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We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God’s purpose prevails.

~Proverbs 19:21 The Message               

 

It is God himself who has made us what we are and given us new lives from Christ Jesus; and long ago he planned that we should spend these lives in helping others.

~Ephesians 2:10 The Living Bible 

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New Year Expectations for God's Provision

Expectations, whether positive or negative, have the power to direct your life toward a good and inspiring objective or to be challenged by what is evil and harmful and capable of wrecking your life. God intended for you to have positive expectations, with faith to believe in his guidance and provision.

God does not intend for you to live in a state of anxiety or fear, so he provides courage to venture out and live with the expectation that he desires to supply your needs at every turn in life. In Exodus 14 God instructed Moses to tell the Hebrew people, who were at a critical, decisive moment in their history, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see what the Lord will do.”

Whatever situation you’re facing now at the launch of this New Year, God’s word of encouragement given to the Hebrew people long ago is relevant for you today. God has not given you a spirit of fear, so stand firm and expect the Lord to do what is good and right.  Happy New year!    

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Now glory be to God who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of – infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes.

~Ephesians 3:20 The Living Bible

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New Year Expectations for Positive Good

How are your expectations for this coming New Year affecting you emotionally? Are you feeling confident your expectations will bring you joy and peace? Your expectations are influenced by other people’s beliefs, behaviors, theology, and politics. Whether or not expectations become reality is dependent on your commitment to bring them to fruition.

There are positive and negative expectations. Positive expectations are connected to the belief that if I manage my life with realistic boundaries and goals, I can depend on a measure of success. Negative expectations can diminish your self-esteem, your confidence, and can result in distrust that the future will be beneficial.

To counteract negative expectations, turn your thoughts to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, who designed you to trust him with all you heart. Then look for the evidence of the hope he will provide. “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Let this be your vision and hope. Happy New Year! 

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I am confident of this: that the One who has begun his good work in you will go on developing it until the day of Jesus Christ.

~Philippians 1:6 Phillips – New Testament in Modern English

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