Just Gotta Have It!

I knew the little square of dark semi-sweet chocolate was right across the room, in the cabinet. I wanted it! I could taste the exquisite flavor just by thinking about it, feel the smooth chocolate melting on my tongue. I resisted for a half-hour, my thoughts turning again and again to the possibility of enjoyment that could be mine with minimal effort. In the end temptation won. That was just chocolate. What about the yearning for things, experiences, pleasures that are of greater consequence?

We're all tempted. Some Believers huff and puff about the sins and failures of others claiming, "I'd never do that. I'm far too mature in Christ to be tempted that way." I want to say, "Get over yourself and admit your humanity." They are denying the truth. The Scripture says, "You are tempted in the same way that everyone else is tempted." (1 Corinthians 10:13, CEV) The setting of our temptations will vary and so will the bait on the hook. However, we all come to forks in life's road where there are just two choices: my will or God's will. For one it may be laziness that says, "Let it go 'til tomorrow. Why sweat?" For another it may be the allure of sex: Internet porn, fantasies about a friend, or an offer for an afternoon escape. For yet another it may pride that drives them to pretend to have a deeper spirituality. For still another it may be to overspend and buy bigger and better stuff. For another it might be desire for control misusing words, guilt, or position to dominate others. Yes, we're all tempted! "But God can be trusted not to let you be tempted too much, and he will show you how to escape from your temptations." (1 Corinthians 10:13, CEV) However, victory requires our cooperation with the Spirit.

How do we resist temptation?

First of all, expect it. It should come as no surprise that the enemy exploits any chink in our armor that he can find. He desires to discredit the Lord and to destroy us. He circles, the Bible says, like a lion on the prowl, looking to have us for dinner. And, contrary to accepted wisdom, he does not always attack at our perceived weakness. We generally have our defenses built there. He takes us where we're strong - because we don't expect him to attack us at that point. Peter reminds us that when we're going through the trials of temptation we are sharing the same experience that Christ endured and he says, "do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you." (1 Peter 4:12, NIV)

Second, never negotiate! You can't outwit temptation. Self is amazingly clever in providing you with an excuse or a justification. If you hover around temptation long enough, you will find a way to take the bait! That is why the Bible says, "O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness." (1 Timothy 6:11, NKJV) "But, Jerry, doesn't the Bible tell us to 'resist the Devil?'" Yes, but resisting the devil is an entirely different exercise than standing as close to the fire of temptation as we think we can without getting burnt!

Third, understand and meet your needs as God intended! We need love, security, food, intimacy, and significance. Those needs were built into us by our Creator. He has provided a way for each of those needs to be met in a way that makes us whole, and when we do, we are much less vulnerable to temptation. Those little chocolate squares I mentioned a moment ago are not at all desirable when I have just enjoyed a good, nutritious meal. A person who enjoys intimacy with his spouse diminishes the power of temptation, too. Paul is very practical when he advises married couples to continue to be intimate with each other! "Do not deprive each other of sexual relations, unless you both agree to refrain from sexual intimacy for a limited time so you can give yourselves more completely to prayer. Afterward, you should come together again so that Satan won’t be able to tempt you." (1 Corinthians 7:5, NLT) Struggling with envy over another's joy in the Lord? Know this. A person who is diligent in ministry, using the gift that the Spirit has given to him, will be much less prone to covet the ministry of another.

Most important, look to Christ! We can endure "by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up." (Hebrews 12:2-3, NLT) When I am gripped by temptation I often feel like I am being torn in two, pulled apart emotionally and spiritually. Despite knowing what is right, I want what is wrong. The battle rages in my heart. I just "gotta have it!" whatever the 'it' is at that moment. There is no victory until and unless I find the reinforcement of the Spirit! If I humble myself and quietly I wait on my face before Him, His peace comes to the storm. Why? Because Jesus is my Priest and Intercessor before God. Remember, Believer, there is no shame in admitting to the temptation, for temptation is not sin!

Yes, Believer, while we live in this world, temptations will come at us. Some come from the world systems in which we work and live. Some come from what the Bible calls, 'the flesh,' or the sinful nature, the desires and needs of our physical body that crave satisfaction even in destructive or illicit ways. And some are diabolical, devilish schemes that come from the enemy of God and good.

Here's a word from the Word. Draw the strength of the promise from it today and meet temptation with the Truth that in Christ, you can overcome!

"Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous. God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant. So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 5:18-21, NLT)