“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful.  He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand.  When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” (1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT)

           Temptation is the desire, pressure, or invitation to do something wrong, harmful, or contrary to God’s will.  It is an internal or external pull to choose self-interest, temporary pleasure, or disobedience over what is right.  

           Temptation is an invitation, NOT a SIN.  Temptation itself is just the trial or the urge to do wrong.  Feeling tempted is not a sin; giving in to it is. It is the internal struggle.  When I was growing up there was a cartoon that had a little devil on one shoulder and a little angle on the other.  Each character would try to persuade the cartoon character to do either the right thing or wrong thing.  It is in struggling of right and wrong that temptation occurs.  For temptation usually presents something harmful as good, fun, exciting in the moment, hiding the negative consequences that follow.

           Drugs, alcohol, spending money you do not have, lying, stealing, cheating, desires for physical pleasure, lusting after things you do not have, greed, taking advantage of someone, pride, laziness, overindulgence, anger these acts targets human weaknesses.  Thus, temptation occurs.  Sin comes in when you follow through on the temptation.

           This scripture tells us that God is faithful and provides a way for you to say “NO” to temptation.  These struggles are normal and everyone faces temptation.  We must remember that God is true.  God keeps His promises.  He gives us a choice to turn away from sin and do the right thing.

           Learning to do the right thing is our journey in life.  Choosing right from wrong is a process of shaping your character, mindset, and daily habits.  It is through developing your relationship with God that you learn to say NO to temptation.  Your focus is on God, not your wants or desires.  Through praying, reading the scriptures, meditating, and listening to Christian music you learn how to say no to temptation.  For it is true, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthen me.”  God Bless.  Amen.

denise