The Test of Temptation

The test of temptation determines if specific values will be abandoned for what appears delightful. The enticement draws you to what is forbidden and taunts you to conform to its captivating image. Resisting becomes difficult as soon as you allow your mind to concoct every possible argument for giving in.

Deceptive reasoning insists, “I am smart and will turn back if I decide this is out of bounds." The cutting edge of temptation deceives your mind and heart by grasping for what promises to fill the gap that separates you from God. We often refuse to accept what God provides by perceiving it as deficient and unrewarding.

While resisting temptation is difficult, it is a frontline defense against its power. Another way of resisting temptation is with an accountability partner. Ecclesiastes 4:12 confirms, "Although one may be overpowered, two plus God can prevail. A cord of three strands is not easily broken." 

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“Come to me, all of you who are weary and over-burdened, and I will give you rest! Put on my yoke and learn from me. For I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

~Matthew 11:28-30 Phillips – New Testament in Modern English

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Power for Resisting Temptation

Resisting is a common behavior that’s learned early in childhood. Even a toddler resists obeying all the rules, and this applies to every age and stage of life. The cutting edge of temptation is designed to confuse the teachings of the Bible as well as the values taught by the family, church, and society.

A rationale against resisting temptation is that it questions the absurdity of resisting what doesn’t appear dangerous or bad. However, our perception of reality can be deceived by misleading influences and powers insisting temptation is harmless and of no consequence.

Where does power come from to resist temptation? It comes first and foremost from the Holy Spirit by shifting your focus away from the temptation and on who Jesus Christ is and what he means to you. Listen to Psalm 28:7: "The Lord is my strength and shield, my heart trusts in him and I am helped." Let it be so with you right now.

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So use every piece of the Lord’s armor to resist the enemy whenever he attacks, and when it is all over, you will still be standing up.

~Ephesians 6:13 The Living Bible

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Fightings Within, Fears Without: Come to God - Part 3

Internal struggles can be caused by having a lack of self-control when faced with difficult choices. Learned patterns of thinking and believing may serve as obstructions to realizing success and happiness. A man in his forties explained how his parents overindulged him as a child, creating an impression that life would be easy and that others were obliged to meet his needs.

Overindulgence produced impatience with others and a lack of self-control. While he was not a drug or alcohol abuser, he found it difficult to resist other temptations. Although we have the right to pursue what could be construed as happiness, we do not have the right to violate the ethical rules and guidelines of society or of God’s laws.

Beyond society’s expectations, God’s laws eventually become conscious to each person. However, true and lasting confidence comes from being certain of your standing with Christ Jesus as Savior and Lord. Internal strife and conflict diminish as Christ Jesus becomes real in every aspect of your life.

Choose God's Way: Resist Evil - Part 1

Evil may initially appear harmless and fun. Numbers 25 illustrates how young Israeli men were invited to attend parties given by young Moab women. Soon all of Israel was worshiping the idol gods of these women. While Balaam the prophet could not place an evil curse on Israel, he gave the Moab king this advice: “Get the young Israeli men sexually involved with your young women, and their hearts will turn away from God.”

Although evil may get the upper hand and become dominant, there will be a day of reckoning. While Balaam appeared to be a man of God, he could not let go of the evil permeating his heart and soul. Numbers 31 informs us he was killed in battle against the Israelis.

While temptation is persuasive and evil can deceive God’s people, listen to 1 John 4:4. "Dear young friends, you belong to God and have already won your fight with those who are against Christ, for there is someone stronger than any evil teacher." Praise God for this good news! 

Milestones: Turn Obstructions into Opportunities - Part 1

If you read the Gospels thoroughly you soon would discover how prevalent obstructions were in the life of Jesus. Even before Jesus was born Joseph, who was engaged to Mary, was ready to abandon her when he realized she was pregnant. However, God told Joseph by way of a dream that Mary’s pregnancy was acceptable because it was an immaculate conception.

While Jesus was fasting in a desert wilderness, Satan began actively laying out obstructions comprised of promises to give him an easy way to fame and fortune. Jesus countered Satan’s obstructions with God's Word, which in effect neutralized Satan’s power to control him. We, like Jesus, can turn obstructions into opportunities to grow, to become stronger and please God with our choices to serve him and him alone.

These scriptures demonstrate that Jesus was prepared to encounter temptations and obstructions regardless of their source. You can show the world you’re a Christian and far from powerless when faced with obstructions of any magnitude that Satan may place before you. 

Never Give Up! God Will Send Help - Part 3

Recently a friend related that he was sure God called him for an important purpose. Seemingly impossible obstacles had appeared immediately from every- where. Whatever could go wrong did as a test of his determination to stay on task. He knew God's purpose for him was good and do-able, and this enabled him to rebuke every negative thought and resist every temptation Satan hurled at him.

No matter how determined the forces were to sidetrack him, the certainty of God's call gave him courage to stay focused. A compelling factor was a godly hope for the future - hope of God's blessings for others and himself. Hope gives resilience power to stand firm, regardless of disturbing distractions.

The Apostle Paul gave these encouraging words to the Christians at Thessalonica. "It's clear that God loves you and has put his hand on you for something special. When we preached to you, it wasn't just words. Something happened in you. The Holy Spirit deposited steel in your convictions." Where there's steel in convictions, there's hope for the future.

Holding on Through Failure and Success - Part 3

Resilience keeps a person holding on when everyone says, "Let go."  Resilient people maintain a grip on what is right, good, and worthy, even when faced with great temptation.   The power and limitations of resilience or personal toughness is affected by what is believed to be true about a person or situation. "Whatever a man thinks in his heart, so he is."

There are limitations to resilience, that inner strength to adapt to the hardships of life. Psychologists study tolerance levels in people and remind us we  should acknowledge what we can tolerate as well as whom we can tolerate. Tolerance is about perception, which is indicative of what you think and believe.

Success and failure hinge on strengths and weaknesses, but not on these alone. Faith in Christ Jesus prevents letting go of your grip when you feel weak and it seems impossible to hang on. God gives strength to the weak, help to the needy, and hope for the future. He told the Apostle Paul, "My strength is made perfect in your weakness."