Handling Temptation

 

In our journey of faith, we often find ourselves faced with various temptations that can challenge our faith and commitment to following Christ. Temptations come in many shapes and sizes, and learning how to handle them is crucial for maintaining a life of righteousness and growing in Christ-likeness. In this blog, I want to explore what temptation is and how to overcome it so that when it comes you are well-equipped to kick it in the face and continue following Jesus!

1. Understanding Temptation:

First and foremost, it is essential to comprehend the nature of temptation. The definition of temptation is simply the desire to do something, particularly something wrong or unwise. Temptations arise from our desires, weaknesses, or external influences. The Bible describes temptations like fishing lures that are born from our own evil desires, somewhat unique to us. People will share similar temptations, for sure, but the specific things that tempt you most will be from your own sinful desires. It’s also important to understand that because they come from our own desires, temptations do not come from God. In the book of James, James tells us “When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone” (NIV). God allows tests and trials to strengthen His children, but temptation comes from the devil and is rooted in our own sinful hearts.

2. Seek God's Guidance:

Prayer and seeking God's guidance through His Word are fundamental in handling temptations, I cannot emphasize this enough. Developing a strong personal relationship with God equips us with spiritual discernment and strength to resist temptation. The best way to resist temptation is to be near the One who can’t be tempted, right? Regularly engaging in prayer and studying Scripture enables us to align our hearts and lives with God's will, making it easier to identify and overcome temptations. When in doubt, go to God. 

3. Surround Yourself with a Supportive Community:

In times of temptation, having a strong support system is invaluable. Surrounding yourself with fellow believers can provide encouragement, accountability, and wise counsel when you need it most. It can often be very helpful to hear discerning voices from around you as you are going through a difficult time of temptation. Engaging in a community of believers fosters an environment of growth in your faith where you can openly share your struggles and receive support, thus strengthening your resilience against temptation.

4. Embrace God's Grace and Forgiveness:

No one is immune to temptation, and we all stumble at times. Even though 1 Corinthians 10.13 tells us that we will never experience temptation greater than we can handle, the reality is that we will often fall victim to temptation and sin. Therefore, it is vital to remember that God's grace is abundant, and His forgiveness is readily available to anyone who genuinely seeks it. When we do fall short, we should humbly acknowledge our mistakes, repent, and rely on God's grace to renew our strength and continue on the path of righteousness.

Handling temptations requires a complete approach that combines prayer, seeking God's guidance, supportive community, and embracing God's grace. By incorporating these things into our lives, we can navigate the challenges of temptation with greater resilience and grow in our faith, ultimately drawing closer to God and becoming more Christlike in our character. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and God's steadfast love and power are always available to guide you through every temptation you face.