Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Temptation


Was it Eve's fault? Was it Adam's fault for not resisting the forbidden fruit? Was it really an apple that ruined it for all mankind?
In reality, none of those questions matter. The Bible doesn't tell us if it was an apple that lured in both Eve and Adam to sin. It could have been a kiwi for all we know. And it's silly to blame either one of them primarily. It was both their fault and you and I would've most likely done the same thing had we been there.
What we do need to focus on is the fact that God offers forgiveness through Jesus Christ for when we are lured into temptation that results in sin.
How do you deal with temptation?

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

uggh...resisting temptation...can there be a more powerful force than temptation?

The thing I do when facing temptation is to try and find a way to break up the scene I'm in at the time. I find that the more I dwell on a sin I could be potentially be partaking in, the more tempted I become....I find that doing something else to get my mind off the sin at hand will help...of course prayer is the number 1 thing...but that itself is hard when facing temptation....I like the phrase "flee temptation"....LITERALLY FLEE

Chris said...

Temptation is tough. One thing I try and do is to be honest with myself and realize what things tempt me and then make every effort in the world to make sure I don't get myself into the situations where these temptations will not come into play. Now we all know that is great goal and works about 70% of the time. The other 30% though, man I agree with Neil, FLEE! Retreat is the best option; and retreat fast.

So many people I know recognize the things that tempt them, but think that now that they know that, they can always deal with it and they don't need to remove themselves from the situation that is causing the temptation. NOT! And also, why stay in that situation. I equate it to knowing that fire will burn you, yet you still walk into the burning house thinking well now that I know fire can burn me, it won't! Weird illustration but I think you get my point.

Just stay away from the burning house. You do this by prayer and tapping into the Holy Spirit for guidance and direction to help ensure that you do stay clear!

Evan Lauer said...

I think you guys are both onto something. Don't play around with temptation. Know your weaknesses and stay away from them.

Or here's an idea, rent a movie that shows someone who gives into a temptation that you deal with and as a result their life is ruined. (Hopefully not a really trashy movie, but one that illustrates the point well nontheless.)

Whenever I see a movie like that (especially one where a father gives into a temptation and as a result loses his family) it is a sobering reminder of what I hope never happens to me. I watch those movies and I literally say, "Thank God that isn't my life!"