Does temptation get the best of you sometimes?
Brussels sprouts – yuck! The smell and taste disgust me. This vegetable is more of a deterrent than a temptation. If someone said I had to eat them before I could enjoy wonderfully delicious dark chocolate, I’d say “No Thanks” to both!
Facing temptation is rarely this easy, however. When you and I are tempted, it’s something we desire. And never Brussels sprouts. Or a scary movie if you despise horror films. Or a chick flicks if you think they’re dumb, raunchy, or a waste of your time.
Satan Is a Liar
Satan is an intelligent being. He tempts us with things and activities that we like or think we’ll like. Maybe pleasure. Maybe pain relief.
He feeds us lies. His tempting lies seem believable but if we swallow them, they may ensnare us. James 1:14 says,
But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.
Satan plays on our desires. We perceive the temptation to wonderfully pleasing or as a desperate need.
The problem with temptations is that they are lies from the father of lies that promise a blessing, but instead it is a promise of entrapment to sin.
Best Way to Battle
How can you successfully battle temptation? Use a deterrent.
The best deterrent is to see sin as it is: heinously wicked and an offense to God.
Then we need to see what God offers to us is good and perfect which will truly satisfy.
Why not memorize this Bible verse? It reminds you that God is good and loves you.
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17, ESV.
Do you want someone to talk with about your temptations and to learn a godly way to handle them? Check out the counseling page on our website. We care.
photo credit: Chiot's Run
