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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Managing Peer Pressure

Peer pressure is a fact each person must learns to manage. Negative peer pressure is one of parents’ primary concerns as their sons and daughters seek more independence in adolescence and young adulthood. However, peer pressure isn’t limited to any one phase or stage but overlaps every stage of development.

Temptation's cutting edge can infiltrate our best guarded defenses by sidestepping our strengths to penetrate our vulnerabilities. The strength of our self-image, fortified by our faith in God and the need to be accepted by our peers, is linked to how successful we are in resisting temptation.

Do we attribute too much power to those who entice us to reject our faith in God? Proverbs 1:10 advises, "When temptation entices you, turn your back and walk away."  Accept the escapes from temptation God always provides. Be alert and strong in the Lord when you are confronted by the cutting edge of peer pressure and temptation.  

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Wise friends make you wise, but you hurt yourself by going around with fools.

~Proverbs 13:20 Contemporary English Version

 

Don’t fall into the trap of being a coward – trust the Lord, and you will be safe.

~Proverbs 29:25 Contemporary English Version

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Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.

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On Wednesday, December 21 through Christmas Day, blogs will be posted each day to coincide with KHCB radio's special music and short devotional programming, "Five Days of Christmas".