“temp·ta·tion”
Noun \tem (p)-ˈtā-shən\
Definition of TEMPTATION
1:
the act of tempting or the state of being tempted
especially to evil: enticement
2:
something tempting: a cause or occasion of enticement
Synonyms: allurement, enticement, lure,
seduction
Back in
the 70’s when I first accepted Christ as my Savior I was led to believe that things
would suddenly change and living would be easy…I no longer had to be concerned
with the issues of life; just live and trust in the Lord…
Through
the years I have learned to put my trust in the Lord, but I can also admit that
life as a born again believer has not been easy. Back then I didn’t take into
consideration all of the variables and nuances that have always been a part of
just living. We used to sing a hymn
that said: “be not dismayed what ere the
tide, God will take care of you…” Such a sweet, comforting song; and
truthfully so. But I also remember a popular country/western song in those days
that said: “I beg your pardon; I never
promised you a rose garden…”
The
Apostle Paul teaches in Ephesians 6:12 that we are confronted with conflict in
the spirit realm daily. We fight and struggle from one battle to another.
As a
former U.S. Marine I understood that the threat of war was always present and
warfare is never easy; many would be wounded, captured, or killed. Our bravery
and courage would be challenged regularly as would be our commitment to preserve
the freedoms we experience. There are many who at one point or another are tempted to desert their post thinking
that desertion may prolong their life.
“The
same serves true for all of us.”
Ask
yourself Christian: how many times were you tempted
to stand in the lottery lines when urgent financial needs came into play? What
about you unmarried Saints, how many times were you tempted to seek companionship when you were feeling lonely and
un-wanted? And let’s not forget those of you who don’t mind a good brawl every
now and then; how many times were you tempted
to confront the person whom you felt wronged you in some way?
What’s
confusing about all of our temptations is that somehow we were led to believe
as Christians that we aren’t supposed to be tempted on any point.
“Who
Has Bewitched You?”
Jesus
himself was tempted by Satan in the wilderness on all points (Ref. Matthew
chapter 4)… Are we better than our Savior?
Ask yourself
this question: Why would Satan dare target Christ, his master? The answer is a
very simple one. Satan is our adversary and if he could entice the “King of
Kings” to surrender to his will, then the promises found in the Gospel would be rendered
null and void. Can you imagine Jesus
deserting his post as the sacrificial lamb for our sins?
Here’s
another thought; if we were never tempted during points in our walk, then it
could possibly mean that our adversary was no longer our enemy, but an ally. In
other words at one time or another, we gave in and caved-in.
The
book of James has this to say concerning temptation:
“My
brethren count it all joy when you fall into divers temptation; knowing this,
that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her
perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire; wanting nothing.
(James 1:3-4)
You
must understand that God does allow us to be tempted, but He does not tempt us…
“Let
no man say when he is tempted that I am tempted of God: for God cannot be
tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man. But every man is tempted, when
he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed. Then when lust has
conceived, it bringeth forth sin; and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth
death. Do not err, my beloved brethren.”
(James 1:13-16)
While
it’s true that in God we live, move, and have our being, we are not untouchable
from the wiles of the Devil. From the beginning of time mankind has always been
involved in conflict be it spiritual or physical. If we are “over-comers” we must realize that we
were made so by the conflict’s we incur day in and day out. Conflict is a daily
staple of our walk with Christ.
It’s
okay to be conflicted at times; just don’t allow yourself to be convicted.
“For
the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus
Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23)
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