Temptation: A common human experience.

TEMPTATION: A common human experience.

Perpend the following:

“And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil".

Among the requests we make of God our father in heaven, Jesus taught us to also pray that we might not be led into temptation but be delivered from evil.

Temptation is “the desire or the attraction to do something wrong or unwise”. In the Bible, temptation is understood as an enticement to disobey God’s will leading to sin. The case of Adam and Eve is a typical example of being enticed to disobey God.  It is not inherently sinful, but the succumbing to temptation results in sin. Temptation can come from various sources, including one’s own desires, the influence of the world or the devil. According to the Bible, the three channels of temptation are “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life” (John 2:16, Galatians 5:16-21). The lust of the flesh preys on our physical appetites and the gratifications in this world. The lust of the eyes appeals to self-interest and tests the word of God.

The Bible speaks extensively about temptation, emphasizing that it is a common human experience, Adam and Eve, Job and even Jesus as human were tempted (Matt.4:1-11. It is therefore not a surprise that we are tempted. It clarifies that God does not tempt any one with evil, but rather, temptation is controlled by the devil, arising from our own desires and lusts. The Bible also provides guidance on how to resist temptation and offers the assurance that God will provide a way out and the strength to endure. St. Paul admonishes us as he wrote “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful, He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure" (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Temptation is also explained as a powerful force, often leading to conflict between desire and restrain. It is a test of will, a battle between what feels good in the moment and the potential consequences, both immediate and long-term. It usually comes in through a door (the heart) that has been left open. Temptations leads you away from your goals or values. They can range from minor urges to major transgressions. For example, 

• Food - Unhealthy eating, 
   
• Sleep - Sleeping when you should be awake and working. 
   
• Money - Unnecessary spending, 
   
• Work/School - Skipping work or class, 
   
• Technology - Spending excessive time on social media or other distractive activities,
   
• Relationships - Engaging in gossip and petty arguments, 
   
• Sex – Sexual promiscuity and perversion, Cheating and Lying.

Kindly perpend the ways you can resist temptation. There is a difference between temptation and testing. God does not tempt us but allows us to be tested to reveal our weakness to allow and help for growth. “Count it pure joy…. whenever you face trials of many kinds because the test of your faith produces perseverance….” (James 1:2-4).

You can resist temptation in the following ways:

• Be watchful and pray to avoid temptation (Matt. 6:13, Luke 22:40).
   
• Be aware of your vulnerabilities and avoid situations that could lead to temptation.
   
• Put on “the whole amour of God” to stand against the schemes of the devil (Eph. 6:11).
   
• Distract yourself by engaging in a different activity that requires your focus and attention.
   
• Seek help by talking to someone you trust about the temptation you are facing.
   
• Always rely on God’s help and do not trust in your own strength.

“We gain the strength of the temptation we resist” (BraintQuites)
“Every moment of resistance to temptation is a victory” (ChristianQiites)

PERPEND!
#BlessingEnyindah
#PerpendWithBE