Temptation vs. Self-Control

Definition of tempt: to entice to do wrong by promise of pleasure or gain

When you think of the word "temptation".....what comes to mind?

If you're like me....you think of something "BIG"......like some HUGE sin that you're tempted to commit. But, do you realize that we are tempted all the time to do something that we shouldn't....usually for just that moment of pleasure.....of getting even....of feeling better. Have you ever had something happen and later on words come to mind that you wish you had said at the time? Yeah, me, too!!! But....do you not realize that, as a Christian, it was the Holy Spirit that kept us from doing wrong....from saying, or doing, something that we shouldn't? If you go ahead and give in to the temptation, whatever it might be...what happens? Well, for me...I immediately know that I should have kept my lips sealed...or my hands to myself (just like my confession in yesterday's post).

Temptation can come to us in so many different ways....every single day. We're tempted to just stay in bed and not face the day...tempted to call in sick, when we're really not sick, just sick of working...tempted to eat that second, or third, piece of _________ (fill in the blank), when we're not really hungry....tempted to cut somebody off on the road because we don't like how they're driving....tempted to "gossip" saying that we're only sharing a confidence so that we can pray for that person....tempted to hurt a fellow employee to move up the "corporate ladder"....tempted to do just enough, when we know we could do even better....tempted to retaliate with harsh words when somebody says something ugly to us!!!

Hebrews 4:15-16 (NLT)
This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

One thing I've learned...the self-control that I practice when tempted....self-control that comes from the Holy Spirit....makes me feel so much better than giving in to any temptation could ever make me feel!!!

Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

In His Most Precious Love....and with mine!!!