Facing Down Temptation

Everyone has fallen prey to temptation’s allurement. Temptation is unavoidable, and I'm not referring to being lured into a heinous crime or being seduced by obsessive sexual lust, but by enticements that may appear harmless. The temptation may be to overlook appropriate Christian ethics in everyday living.

A reason for discarding Christian values in social settings is cutthroat competition that disregards the Golden Rule. A common conviction is that you have to "play it safe" and maintain the status quo by standing firm in your comfort zone, which is a defense against risking failure.

The key to resisting temptations to play it safe and risk nothing is found in James 1:5: “If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask him and he will gladly tell you, for he is always ready to provide a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask him." After asking God for wisdom, be prepared to use what he gives in ways that honor him.  

__________         

For inasmuch as [Jesus] has suffered himself by being tempted, he is able to give immediate help to any who are tempted.

~Hebrews 2:18 Williams – New Testament in the Language of the People

__________

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

 

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. 

___________         

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

___________

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