Temptation. What tempts you? Is it the candy in the dish that’s just within your reach? Is it the games on your phone or computer? Then there’s a “temptation” to go outside when you really need to be working inside. Some temptations are not bad such as having a piece of candy, but if you eat too much candy, it could be bad for your health. I have to limit myself with a lot of things whether it’s reaching for another piece of chocolate or playing just one more game of Spider Solitaire. Watch for signs that the temptation may be too strong for you or is distracting you.
I play Spider Solitaire almost every evening to unwind. It’s fun and makes me think about using my moves to the best advantage. But one particular night I wasn’t winning at all and I kept playing another game and another game and another game, hoping to win just one before I quit. The next day I found my brain playing the game as if it was a movie playing in the forefront of my mind, and I was very distracted (unfortunately at a time I should have been concentrating on worship!). Wow! Now I limit myself to maybe 3 or 4 games, especially since each one takes 3-5 minutes…all wasted time in light of eternity.
Some temptations can be extremely detrimental if they pull us away from the right path of life and get us into trouble. You know what I’m talking about. You have friends or relatives who watched too many YouTube videos and visited too many websites that show things that should never be in print and definitely not on video with access for anyone to see. Once they view these things, it’s difficult to stop.
Identify it. So what is a temptation that you face? Do you think you are the only one facing it? Humanly speaking probably not! The Bible tells us that Jesus experienced it all long before we even knew what temptation was.
Common temptations might be things like eating too much, spending too much, gambling you’re your hard-earned money, laziness, venting on social media, gossiping, feeling jealous, viewing pornography, lying or cheating, taking out your anger on someone or something, stealing, and abusing alcohol. Did I hit on yours yet? These are just some examples of types of temptations, and each one brings with it guilt. We know we shouldn’t be doing it, but do it anyway. So what might you be doing that you know you shouldn’t…and it makes you feel guilty?
Results. As we begin this season of Lent, think about your temptation. What have been the results of some temptation you gave into? Just another piece. Gained weight? I’m in a hurry and no one’s on the road. Got caught speeding?
Tomorrow we’ll look at the events leading up to Jesus’ temptations.
PRAYER POINT FOR TODAY:
Lord, show me the things you want me to see in my life that are pulling me towards temptation and sin.
- Week 1 – temptation
- Week 2 – confession, forgiveness, and fasting
- Week 3 – listening to God and answering when He calls
- Week 4 – God’s love for us
- Week 5 – waiting, anxiety, and trust
- Week 6 – suffering, pain, and struggles
- Easter – resurrection and salvation