Mar 10 - DAY 26 - Growing though Temptation

Day 26

Growing through Temptation

We are tempted when we are drawn away

and trapped by our own evil desires.

Then our evil desires conceive

and give birth to sin; and sin,

when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Do not be deceived, my dear friends!

James 1:14-16 GNT

Do you curse temptations?

They come at us all the time. Some temptations are almost a predictable as the rising of the sun. Some seem to reach out and grab us when we least expect it. Each of us has a weak spot.

There are also times when we’re weaker. I’m more vulnerable when I’m tired. Others are more vulnerable when they’re lonely. Pride can make us vulnerable too. In moments of success, we forget to be vigilant.

Being in the wrong place at the wrong time can also lead us into temptation. Being with the wrong people has its own set of temptations too.

So yes … do you curse temptations?

I love how Rick Warren turns our perspective of temptations on its head …

•      “Every temptation is an opportunity to do good.”
•      “Every temptation [can be] a stepping-stone rather than a stumbling block.”
•      “Temptation simply provides a choice. … It is just as much an occasion to do the right thing as it is to do the wrong thing.”

We could spend today listing all of the ways to avoid temptation – get more rest, avoid the wrong people, etc. – but what’s more important is reorienting our overall perspective …

All of life is a test, and each moment, including the temptations, is an occasion to develop our character. Therefore rather than cursing temptations, view yourself as a noble adventurer in the midst of a great battle.

Furthermore, realize that you’re not alone in these struggles. You have the great conqueror behind you. And your foe may be angry, but he is already defeated. Rely, therefore, on the conqueror’s strength, and venture boldly into the future.

Look at, perhaps, it like a game – a video game. Your character battles the dragons. Occasionally you get hit by the monster’s tail. And the words pop up, “Would you like to try again.”

Not only is God’s power behind us, fighting for us, especially when we ask for it. But his grace gives us another try and another try. Every temptation is a new opportunity to choose right and life.

In Christ’s Love,

a guy who’s thinking of

his most recent temptations

in a new way

… with God’s grace,

I want to try again