Strength to Stand under Trials and Tests

Character is an attribute of identity. From a positive viewpoint character refers to integrity and morality, but in the negative sense it refers to being untrustworthy. Joseph’s character was based on his relationship with God. His character was severely tested when Potiphar’s wife attempted to seduce him, but he refused her advances.

 

A person's character is revealed when standing against evil that’s embedded within temptation. Joseph did not contend with "should I or shouldn't I" when faced with temptation. His rational mind vetoed temptation’s emotional sway because he realized if temptation were permitted to infiltrate his emotions, he would be vulnerable to its snare.

C. S. Lewis addressed the problem of temptation in his book Mere Christianity by stating, "A man who gives in to temptation after five minutes simply does not know what it would have been like an hour later. That is why bad people in one sense know very little about badness. They have lived a sheltered life by always giving in. We never find out the struggle of an evil impulse inside of us until we try to fight it."Christ Jesus will give you strength and the will to fight temptation’s evil snare as you determine never to give in.  

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Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

~James 1:12 New International Version

Don't Dance with the Devil! - Part 4

Every Christian has two conflicting natures which consist of desires and attitudes that often battle for dominance. God’s word informs us that Jesus had our human nature, but without the weakness that permits us to sin and fall short of God’s glory. Balaam, the Old Testament prophet and sorcerer, wanted to be God’s spokesman but permitted evil desires to nullify that calling.

God told him to renounce this evil, but he could not resist exploring what was forbidden by God. This compulsion to explore the world of evil would lead him along the path of destruction. While it's apparent we all have this tendency, the choices we make determine the extent of our shame and humiliation.

It's possible to stand against the temptations to defy God's purpose and plan. Jesus said, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled." To hunger and thirst is to crave the peace and joy that only Christ Jesus provides. It means finding satisfaction and contentment with what God supplies to you. 
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To coordinate with KHCB’s “Five Days of Christmas” programming, I will post special Christmas thoughts on my blog Wednesday-Sunday, December 21-25. On those days, KHCB will air only Christmas music and short thoughts from the programmers. 

On Monday, December 19, and again beginning December 26, my blog posts will coordinate with the radio broadcast schedule of Attitudes/Answers that airs at 5:45 PM on KHCB radio at 105.7FM in the Houston area. To stream it live or for a listing of sister stations in TX, OK, LA, and FL, you may click on the KHCB link in the "About Me" section of this page.