A Writer’s Thoughts On . . . .

 

My Thoughts On . . . . TEMPTATION.                     

It’s everywhere. I’m not saying anything you don’t already know. It’s in everything and everybody. For whatever reason, if someone or something wants it, there is a way to get it, obtain it and manipulate it into being taken. Temptation is fueled by greed, selfishness and obsession, with sole purpose of having something using any means necessary to obtain what is being pursued without much effort. Sounds easy doesn’t it? But for some, it’s an occupation, it’s a work of art, and in many cases it’s a way of life.

In this world filled with the pursuits of money, fame, and fortune, many people will do almost anything to get it. They will sell their bodies; they will compromise moral values; they will forsake the foundational teachings of their upbringing if it means bypassing the work it takes to get there; and they will deny life, their very soul to receive something that will eventually be temporary in their lives for only a season. It’s sad, but many of us have been there, done that, and know that the consequences are truly not worth it. How many times do read in print, observe in the media and hear about people dying over their pursuit of notoriety, being identified by how much money they can accumulate through the riches of fame and Hollywood ire. People are drawn to what they like, what they are enticed by, and driven by that desire they allow in their hearts, even to transform them into people they are not. Who’s behind all this “temptation” that we see in this life? Who’s responsible for all of the anguish, the violence and corruption that temptation has caused in contributing to the state of the world in which we live? Well, if we return to the Word of God we will see clearly who the author of temptation is. His name: Satan, the accuser of the brethren.

“Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, being tempted for forty days by the devil. And in those days He ate nothing, and afterward, when they had ended, He was hungry. And the devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” But Jesus answered him, saying, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.’” Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish.  Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours.” And Jesus answered and said to him, “Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ” Then he brought Him to Jerusalem, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you,’ and, ‘In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’” And Jesus answered and said to him, “It has been said, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’ ” Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time.”  –  LUKE  4:1-13

So what makes us think or believe that the same temptation couldn’t happen to us? Many of us have been tempted in every area of our lives to compromise, to turn away from the very heart of righteousness that we’ve come to know, and bowed down to its desires. And where did it get us? What about that promotion or position you’ve always wanted but couldn’t get? Were you tempted to do whatever it took to get it, even if it meant compromising your values and/or your morals? Many have, and are still doing it. When are we as a people, especially children of God, are going to make a stand for righteousness and do the right thing? When are we ever going to decide in our hearts that we will wait, we will seek the Lord and what He desires for us and stop allowing the flesh to and its evil influences to overrule our judgment? I believe Jesus Christ said it best: “. . . . man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God“ (Luke 4:4).

Just some thoughts from a brother who sees daily the struggles of temptation, and those who desire to battle to the end to see it not become an influence in their lives and overtake them, and ensnare them to the point of being a slave to sin. I stand against the wiles and devices of the enemy because I’m covered by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony. I’m just saying . . . .

 

 

 

Recovery Tip For This Week

 

 

Tip for This Week . . . . Avoid Isolation.

One of the very first things we want to do when someone in recovery relapses is isolate ourselves. The shame and guilt that we face becomes so monumental that we don’t want to face or deal with anyone. We go into a “cocoon-like” state and remain there until we “feel” it’s safe to come out. Don’t allow that to happen. When you face relapse, stop and admit your sin, acknowledge it and expose it. Give light to your sin and call your praying brothers who are in the battle with you to support you, to come and pray with and over you to comfort you. When you isolate you give the enemy power over you. Bringing your sin to the light exposes the enemy and he loses his power because of the light. Trust the Lord God, Jesus Christ to strengthen you in your weakness, and He will revive you with His Holy Spirit.

“to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.” 

–   ACTS  26:18