Every Moment Of Resistance To Temptation Is A Victory

We can only take it moment by moment. It is so true that "every moment of resistance to temptation is a victory," even if it's only a few seconds at a time. Everyone is vulnerable to temptation-even adults. After all, temptation can take many forms.

Know your weaknesses. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Which areas do you need to guard against? Anticipate temptation. Think of situations where you are likely to face temptation. Mentally rehearse how you will resist if such temptation occurs.

Strengthen your convictions. Avoid circumstances that will make temptation harder to resist. Pray for help. Pray continually, so that you may not enter into temptation. The Bible says: "He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but along with the temptation he will also make the way out so that you may be able to endure it."-1 Corinthians 10:13.

Many believe it is a sin to be tempted. This is not true. The Bible declares, "For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15). Rather, it is a sin to give into temptation. Shakespeare wrote, "Tis one thing to be tempted, Another thing to fall." Don't forget the glory God has in store for you. "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him" (1 Corinthians 2:9).

One weak compromising act might spoil an entire lifetime of witness. Hanging behind the check-out register in a Cincinnati candle shop is a large sign that reads: "There is a very good reason for this sign being here and you standing in front of it reading it. It is here to keep you busy. We realize how annoying it can be just standing around doing nothing, trying to find someone to help you. You've heard the expression, "Idleness is the devil's workshop."

Strength to resist evil is best gained through aggressive service. But it's better to be prepared in advance. A wise man surveys the road for potential trouble. In the very least, plot a way of escape. Millions nibble their way into sin because they don't think ahead. This leads me to the next point very well. Temptation is not a sin. Our disoriented emotions begin to respond to this desire with a feeling of hope - hope that maybe this time, even if we've been disappointed many times before, the oasis will quench our desire. Temptations threaten us with missing out on happiness or less misery.

We must ask ourselves what the mirage is really promising? Sometimes just saying it out loud breaks its spell. Expect the mirage to be tempting. Don't allow your passions to be your dictators (Romans 6:12). Remember, emotions are gauges, not guides. They are indicatives not imperatives. They are to be directed, not to be directors. To be tempted is not a sin. To yield to temptation is sin. Temptations are never truly as strong as they feel.

Resist temptation by remembering what Jesus Christ did for us. No matter what trials and temptations come our way, God's Word and Spirit are infinitely more powerful than any of Satan's schemes.


 By Rosemarie Sumalinog Gonzales


Article Source: Every Moment Of Resistance To Temptation Is A Victory