|
|
 |
How Can I Resist Temptation?
James 1:14 says that "each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed." (NKJV) Different temptations plague different people. What might be a temptation to you might be easy for someone else to resist. One thing is certain, Satan knows your weak areas, and that's where the temptation will hit.
In the Bible, God has given us the tools to overcome temptation. An important tool is found in James 4:7, 8: "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you" (NIV). It's a wonderful trade-off! Resist the one who would destroy you—come to the One who will give you life—and He will come near to you. The closer you are to God, the more power you'll have to resist.
Another tool is found in I Peter 5:8: "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (NIV). It requires alertness to the fact that we have an enemy that wants us to sin. And it takes self-control to turn away from temptation. But each time you resist the devil, you become stronger.
A Practical Example
I'm wanting to lose some weight. So when I go to the grocery store, I need to use self-control. I need to stay out of the bakery section! And if I have to go down an isle that carries junk food, I need to resist, even say a prayer for strength, get what I need, and walk away.
The Reward
The reward for resisting temptations on this earth is that we become closer to God and better people—people who aren't carrying around a load of guilt. The eternal reward is even greater: "Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been proved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him" (James 1:12 NKJV).
_____________________________
|
|
