Outsmarting Temptation

Anim-man_tired_after_exercise_funny-1mdI am 51 years old. Occasionally I forget that and think I am 25. Age-amnesia can get me in trouble sometimes. I have to learn that at 51, I can still do everything I did at 25, only now I have to do it only in my head.

I have to face the facts, I am not as strong as I used to be, but hopefully I am smarter. Where once I could tackle many issues with vigor now I must use prudence. For all of us, YOUNG or OLD, that truth applies to temptation. We allow make ourselves way too vulnerable to temptation – more vulnerable than we are actually able to stand. We are not nearly as strong as we think we are, and the secret to withstanding temptation lies in being wise and prudent.

Let me encourage you to consider your proximity to sin and take the most prudent of three options.

  • AVOID temptation when you can. The old saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is so true when dealing with sin. Know where you are vulnerable and simply do not put yourself in a place where you will be tempted. Watch where you surf on the internet, view on the television, listen to on the radio and at work. Just don’t go there. (Proverbs 5:1-8, Ephesians 4:27)
  • When you can’t avoid temptation, RUN from it. Often temptation sneaks up on us when we aren’t expecting it. When you find yourself suddenly being tempted, remove yourself from the temptation. Turn the channel, shut down the computer, walk away, excuse yourself from the conversation. Paul encouraged Timothy to “flee” from lust and temptation, and that is great advice to us. (2 Timothy 2:22)
  • Then finally if you are in an unavoidable temptation from which you cannot get away, RESIST – not in your strength, but in the name of Jesus. We do not humanly have the ability to resist the devil, but through the name of Jesus and by the power of His Word, we are undefeatable. (1 Peter 5:8-9)

Let me remind you also that the battle against temptation is more easily fought before ever facing the temptation. Be prepared. Have you heart clean and your mind clear. Meditate and memorize God’s Word so you will have a weapon to wield against temptation. Set your heart on heavenly things, nurture your spirit through daily Bible reading and prayer, and you will be more prepared to avoid, run, or resist.