Boy, That’s Tempting

Pray that you will not give in to temptation.

Luke 22:40

THE BEST WAY TO OVERCOME the temptations we face every day is to fix our eyes on Jesus, our Master. When we rely on our own resolve to keep from sinning, we can hold out only for so long. Eventually, we cave in to temptation and find ourselves repeating the same sins we’ve fallen into so many times before. Thankfully, God’s grace doesn’t depend on our getting it right. Better yet, God doesn’t leave us to try to be holy on our own. The strength we need to escape temptation comes from Him.

Perhaps the first step in dealing with a weakness or temptation is to take it seriously. That means not overestimating ourselves. Then we should take the matter to God, read His Word for guidance, pray, and write down what He brings to mind. Don’t be too quick to dismiss what comes to mind, even if it seems radical. It can be tempting to talk ourselves out of taking action when the source of temptation (e.g., food, our computers, or money) also serves a beneficial and necessary purpose. But God knows what’s best for us, and often that involves a sacrifice or inconvenience.

It takes a humble man of faith to value his relationship with God over the temporary pleasures of sin. Ask God to give you strength and faith to fight temptation and win.

BOTTOM LINE

God wants to help us escape what tempts us. Pray and then take action as He directs.

Moment of Strength: Hebrews 2:18