Tempting Thought!

What are you tempted by? Do you know? You are tempted every single day to do something that isn't in your best interests, doesn't mirror God's glory, and often doesn't make you look like a good person to others and or to yourself. Maybe your temptation is as minor as having something sweet when you're trying to diet or as severe as stopping into the local bar before heading home to drink your problems away, knowing full well that it will result in another night of screaming at and hitting the people you love most.

Temptation has a simple definition, but means something different to each of us. Like the Greek hero Achilles, each of us has a unique set of weakness that Satan uses to drive a wedge between us and salvation. Many of our weaknesses are unique, too. What seems a trivial event for one man can lead another to ruin and debauchery. Things as simple as a cold beer at a backyard cookout or a $20 card game with co-workers on a Friday night can have completely different outcomes for two people based on the weaknesses they face in their personal journey.

At some point, we all give in to the temptation and fail to live up to God's expectations of us, too. Although often we recognize that what we're doing is a sin as we do it, there are times where we're tempted and don't even realize it because of attitudes, preconceptions, and biases that blind us from the danger of our actions. The old saying that the path to hell is paved with good intentions is right on the money, and I think everyone can give at least one example of a time they thought they were doing the right thing, but later found that wasn't the case.

I am going to spend the next few days exploring the topic of temptation, and as we enter into the weekend, I ask that you spend some time thinking about the temptations and weakness you are confronted with most often. You will have a much better chance of resisting temptation if you recognize it, and by searching your personal attitudes, your values, and the motivations behind your actions you will prepare yourself for the next encounter. A good way to start is to think of the things you often want to do, but that make you feel bad about yourself for doing them or have a negative outcome. Smoking is a good example. I don't think there is a smoker alive today that doesn't know the negative effects that nicotine and tar will have on their health. Take a minute to really understand why you are driven to do these things, why doing it makes you feel sadness or pain, and everyone who is impacted when you choose to give in to the temptation.

Even the best spiritual soil has temptation, and as you explore yours, remember what Paul points out in his first letter to the Corinthian church:

"God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. "
- 1 Corinthians 10:13

Whatever it is you're facing, you can beat it. What's more, you don't actually have to face it. You can just get away from it because God has given you a way out. You just have to look for it. Keep Paul's words close to your heart as you explore your personal temptations, and believe in yourself the way the Lord believes in you. You are strong because He is!

Today's Prayer:
Father, we thank you so much for Your faith in us, a faith that none of us deserves because we continually let You down. You are magnificent, Father; creator of the universe and source of all joy. We humbly ask that You forgive us for our failures, Lord, and help us to recognize our weaknesses so that we might better reflect the strength You have placed in us and inspire others to seek Your grace. All things are possible in You, Lord, and it is with You that we place our trust.

In the name of your son, Jesus, we give You praise and humbly ask You to light our way.

Amen.