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Encourage Someone Else By Sharing!

While watching television, I came across an advertisement for a reality show. For now, this show will remain nameless because sis over here is not trying to get sued.  On this unnamed show, several people banded together on an island to see how good they are at resisting temptation.

Without thinking, I blurted out, “Who in the world would intentionally put themselves in a position to be tempted. That’s crazy!” At that moment, I could not fathom the sense in such an undertaking.  To put it plainly, this concept felt like moral suicide.

As I contemplated the premises of this show, I’ve realized facing and resisting temptation is a topic we should discuss more.  Before you click the “back” button, Hear me out! 

Everyone (including me) can be found in the ring with temptation daily. 

Whether it is being tempted to complain, to have an attitude, to hold unforgiveness in our hearts, or start an all-out war with that messy boss. 

Most of us would not boldly display our places of weakness as on the nameless show.  Still, this does not change the fact that our weaknesses exist. 

It does not change the fact that many are continually walking into temptations deadly traps.  Here lies the million dollar question….How can I overcome temptation?

What if I told you, there are several strategies you can implement to ensure you can say no to temptations plea? 

This notion sounds unbelievable, right?

Well, here I am saying it anyway. As you practice these strategies, in time, you will become stronger and better at resisting temptation.

Kill Temptation in Seed Form

As I continually walk with Christ, I am learning the value of creating strategies. Strategies strengthen our defense. 

For Instance:  Suppose you knew a thief was plotting to break into your home.  Would you leave the door open?  I doubt it. 

Chances are you would create strategies on how best to keep this unwelcomed guest out of your home. To do absolutely nothing, would sound absurd. 

I have created the same concept around facing temptation.  

The fact is, I know the temptation is coming.  Now it is time to strategize.

The first strategy I resort to when faced with temptation is to be intentional about killing it before it grows.  Submitting or resisting temptation begins in the heart. 

Let’s use a person who struggles with anger as an illustration. Before that person has a full-on fit of rage, there was a thought in their heart to act on their hurt emotions. The first thought says to defend and tell the person that offended you… off

If there is no caution to kill that temptation to sin, chances are the offended will become angrier.   Before they realize it, a whole fit of anger is displayed.

To kill a desire in seed form, you must shut those thoughts down with the word of God (Bible) immediately….Pronto…..Onsight. 

When a lustful thought comes in your heart, interrupt that thought.  Say out loud, “My body is the temple of God.”

Don’t just sit there and allow your thoughts to run wild. Fight back.

Instead, if you choose to lie still, this lustful thought is being allowed to develop into a desire. Desires then turn to sin. We know, sin turns into a downward spiral of destruction.

Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.  These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.

James 1:14-15 (NLT)

Remember God is Making A Way of Escape

Have you ever heard the saying, “God will not put more on you than you can bear?” Well turns out that saying is incomplete and thus untrue.  This is what the scripture says:

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT)

In a nutshell, God will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can bear. He will always be faithful to carve out an escape route before temptation becomes unbearable. 

The escape route is not always physical.  God can give you strategies, information, revelation, and resources so that you can withstand the temptations that surround you. 

You will never be left high and dry or to figure it out on your own.

In addition to this, God’s power is made perfect in your weakness.  When you are weak, God is still strong.  

During these times of weakness, lean on His strength. 

As you depend on God, you will begin to gain the strength to say no to everything that is trying to control you. With God, you can turn away. 

Start with a made-up mind. Refuse to take another step further into the cycles of temptation. Just as with anything, the more you practice, the easier it will become.

Resisting Temptation

Someone once told me, “Don’t expect to walk into the lion’s den, then become angry when the lion bites you.” Unless, of course, you are Daniel, but that’s another story.  

The best way in resisting temptation is to avoid it altogether.   Take actions to ensure you are removed from any situations of temptation. 

I know you will not be able to avoid every single temptation, but at least avoid the ones you can. If you tend to get drunk, avoid environments where the alcohol is pouring. 

If you are sweet on a particular person, block the number boo. 

Find healthy ways to distract yourself when temptation comes. Read your Bible. Pray and journal. Call an accountability partner or goldy friends.  Read a book. Do the necessary to resist temptation.

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

-James 4:7

There is a beautiful promise at the end of resisting temptation.  As you keep resisting temptation, eventually, you will not crave those same temptations anymore.

The enemy flees. Before you know it, the desire for that temptation will not even exist.

I’m not just here throwing out scriptures because it sounds good and fills up pages. My life is a real testimony that you can chase the things that once chased you. I share more of my story in my book here

There is so much more to your life than walking into repetitive cyclesYou are so much greater.

Until Next Time.

Be Strong, Be Courageous, Serve God Wholeheartedly

Gilberta Thompson