“A wise person is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is arrogant and careless.” (Proverbs 14:16, NASB)
It’s common sense that if you don’t want to get stung, stay away from the bees! If you don’t want to get burned, don’t get close to the fire! If you don’t want to fall off the cliff, don’t hang off the ledge!
The goal is not to see how close you can get to temptation but rather how far away from it you can stay.
Proverbs 14:16 says, “A wise person is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is arrogant and careless” (NASB). You might think you can handle temptation, but who are you kidding? You need to do a frank assessment. You need to analyze when and where you are most tempted and vulnerable. Then you need to stay away from those situations as much as you can.
The Bible says to run from temptation: “I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your laws” (Psalm 119:59, NLT). If you have to physically remove yourself, do it! When Potiphar’s wife tempted Joseph, she grabbed his cloak, so he left it behind as he ran out of the house.
The point is, get out of the situation. Run from the temptation. Don’t stick around.
When you’re tempted, change the channel. Turn on music. Go for a walk. Read the Bible. Call a Christian friend. Do something to break the spell.
Here is what won’t work: Don’t ever try to argue with the devil. You’ll lose every time. He’s had thousands of years to think up counter arguments to anything you may say. Don’t rationalize it. Don’t justify it. Don’t argue about it. The key is to break the focus.
Don’t stare at the cookies and repeat, “I don’t want them! I don’t want them!” Turn around! The more you try to fight a feeling, the more it grows in intensity.
When temptation calls, don’t try to argue. Just hang up and go do something else.
Pray over it:
- Where or when are you most tempted? On business trips? At home when you’re alone and the kids are at school?
- During the weekend? When you’re watching TV?
- What changes do you need to make in your schedule or lifestyle to minimize your exposure to these situations?
- What strategies can help you “hang up on” temptation if you’re unable to easily escape one of those situations?
Prayer
Lord, I am a sinful human being and I need Your mercy and grace each day. Strengthen me when I am tempted and forgive me when I fail, and let my life be a blessing to those around me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
