Being Challenged Again!

Sometimes we may sense our spirituality is going well while at other times feel we are failing miserably. We must always be on guard against feeling we have finally arrived and no longer need to be watchful because such a FOCUS will set us up to fall. (note 1 Corinthians 10:12) We must always remain alert to what is going on WITHIN US! There are also times when we clearly see God is gaining victories in our life and then other times feel like the devil is winning. Perhaps the struggle we experience is like the one Paul described where we again and again find ourselves doing the very things we don’t want to do. ( Romans 7:15-20) Sin is so close to us in this life and we may often find ourselves struggling to keep THE FOCUS where it ought to be. This difficulty in maintaining a proper FOCUS is sometimes due to things we see going on around us and we feel the pressure of peers and struggle to remain steadfast in our surrender to the Lord’s Will.

James described the process of sin and temptation as follows:
“(13) Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. (14) But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed BY HIS OWN DESIRE. (15) Then DESIRE when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” ( James 1:13-15 ESV)

One of our great needs is to keep our desires in check. The desire for the things of God must keep growing in order to push out sinful and worldly desires. We must therefore put forth effort to continually FOCUS on the right things. If certain acquaintances, environments, and situations continue to move the FOCUS away from the Will of God, if at all possible these must be avoided. We may not be able to completely remove our life from all of these, but when it comes to where we choose to be, may those choices be made wisely for our soul’s sake.

Sometimes we can’t help seeing impure things, but it is our choice if we take a second look! Also, thoughts can be like birds that we are unable to keep from landing on our heads, but we can keep them from nesting there. We can’t always stop some thoughts from coming into our minds, but we can refuse to allow them to remain. Reading our Bible, quoting certain passages of Scripture from memory, or shifting the focus to prayer at such times can help us push ungodly thoughts from our mind.

As Paul urged the Philippian brethren…
“Finally, brothers, whatever is TRUE, whatever is HONORABLE, whatever is JUST, whatever is PURE, whatever is LOVELY, whatever is COMMENDABLE, if there is any EXCELLENCE, if there is anything WORTHY OF PRAISE, THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS.” ( Philippians 4:8 ESV)

If the thoughts (from which stem our actions) cannot be placed in those categories they need to be forced out of our minds. If there is a specific thing that is challenging us perhaps even an accountability partner would be a good idea for checking in on how the battle is going and being encouraged in maintaining a proper FOCUS.

Remember Paul’s encouragement to the Christians at Corinth.
“No TEMPTATION has overtaken you that is not COMMON TO MAN. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation HE WILL ALSO PROVIDE THE WAY OF ESCAPE, that you may be able to endure it.” ( 1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV)

We all face temptations of one kind or another. The challenge is not unique to any one of us. We are not alone in the struggle. However, we must accept responsibility for where we allow our FOCUS to remain and use the “way of escape” the Lord provides. He provides, but will not drag us through it. Let us also trust in His forgiveness as we strive to live life surrendered to His Will.

Have a great day WITH GOD’S DESIRES BECOMING MORE AND MORE OUR OWN!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Temptation