Articles
Handling Temptation
Handling Temptation
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)
Every day we spend on this earth we are faced with situations that require us to
make choices. Somewhere in that process temptation comes in and influences our
decisions. It could be a simple as eating something healthy versus something not
so healthy or cutting corners at work. Maybe looking at adult content on the
internet. Whatever the kind of temptation that confronts us we have to exercise
wisdom in dealing with that impulse.
The ability to resist temptation is closely linked to self-control. Research shows
that self-control can be strengthened through practice, akin to a muscle.
Individuals who develop strong self-regulation skills are better equipped to
manage temptation.
God requires that we practice self-control. It’s is one of our escape mechanisms
we use against allurements. Resisting temptation over and over again using self-
control will eventually become a matter of course.
A few self-control exercises are:
1. **Awareness**: Recognizing triggers and understanding the nature of your
temptations is the first step toward managing them. Keeping a journal of
temptations can help identify patterns and underlying causes.
2. **Setting Boundaries**: Establish clear limits for yourself. For example, if
you’re trying to eat healthier, avoid keeping junk food at home.
3. **Mindfulness and Reflection**: Practicing mindfulness can enhance self-
awareness and help you pause before acting on impulse. Reflecting on the long-
term consequences of giving in to temptation can also reinforce your
commitment to resist.
4. **Seek Support**: Sharing your goals with friends or joining a support group
can create accountability, making it easier to stay on track.
5. **Reward Yourself**: Finding alternative rewards for resisting temptation can
provide motivation. Celebrate small victories to reinforce positive behavior.
Using these ways will most definitely help you. However the greatest helper we
have is the Holy Spirit. If you feel his presence as these temptations manifest
cling to the spirit of God! He is there ready for you to turn to him. Something I do
when the attack from Satan comes is recite the 23rd Psalm. It works every time.
This method I learned from Christ.
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by
the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God,
command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, It
is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that
comes from the mouth of God.” Then the devil took him to the holy city
and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the
Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, ‘He will command his
angels concerning you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest
you strike your foot against a stone.’ Jesus said to him, “Again it is
written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’ Again, the
devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the
kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, “All these I
will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to
him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your
God and him only shall you serve.’ Then the devil left him, and behold,
angels came and were ministering to him. (Matthew 4:1-11)
Jesus used scripture to rebuke Satan. I believe scripture to be our greatest
weapon in fighting temptation.
If we are faithful and do our best to resist, God promises this.
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has
stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised
to those who love him. (James 1:12)
There are so many more scriptures that deal with temptation. I encourage you to
search them out and use them in your time of need. I will close with this one.
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the
world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the
world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of
life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is
passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God
abides forever. (1 John 2:15-17)
- Terry Ryan
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A Double Examination
Dr. Madison Sarratt taught mathematics at Vanderbilt University
for many years. Prior to giving exams, he would often say: “Today I
am giving two examinations – one in trigonometry and the other
in honesty. I hope you will pass them both. If you must fail one,
fail trigonometry.”
When we get what we deserve, that is justice.
When we don’t get what we deserve, that is mercy.
When we get what we don’t deserve, that is grace.
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Talk is cheap because the supply exceeds the demand.
