Being Strong in the Face of Temptation
Disclaimer: I am not perfect. Just like every human, I have sinned. (Romans 3:23) I am writing this to provide encouragement for those that desire to live a life pleasing to God and would like to share with me on this journey towards Him.
Most times when people think of sin and evil temptation, they see the image of an angel on one shoulder and a demon on the other.
But if only temptation was truly that simple.
The thing that most of us forget is that sin would not be as prevalent as it is if it was obviously bad. Let me explain, sin is meant to entice you, your weaknesses, and most of all, your mind.
The dilemma that many face is the benefit of the sin v. the benefit of turning away. What does that mean? There must be some type of benefit to sin.
Sin temporarily benefits the flesh, pursuing righteousness eternally benefits the spirit. And when it comes down to it, it is easier for us to see and experience the immediate (but deadly) gratification of our flesh than the delayed (but eternal, Romans 6:23) gratification of the spirit, because, well, we like things quick.
But God created all things good (Genesis 1), sin is the unauthorized perversion of God’s creation.
Until the fall, things were good. Adam and Eve frolicked in flowers in Eden, like in the movies. I don’t know why but that’s the image I have in my mind lol.
Anyways.
But what the enemy did, he took what God had created for good and perverted it. Thus, sin.
But this is good news for us who believe. It makes it possible for us to tell the real from the fake. Making the fake less tempting, because who wants off-brand sin? Not I. But we can walk in boldness, even when we face temptation from a fraud, when we know that we serve the OG, the original God. God's design and will for our lives is so much better than any store brand placebo that the enemy will try to place in front of us.
What's more? Every single temptation we face has been overcome. Yes all of them, even the ones in the back of your head that you wouldn't want to admit to anyone, although you should because God is faithful and just to forgive any sin when we confess them (1 John 1:9). But every single temptation that we face, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ faced and overcame them all. Hebrews 2:18 says "For in that He himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succour them that are tempted." {Succour: assistance and support in times of hardship and distress; reinforcements of troops} That means, you have Jesus Christ and the army of Heaven fighting on your behalf, whenever you face temption, helping you overcome and pursue righteousness every time.
When we face temptation, we can boldly declare: You perverted, off-brand, counterfeit imitation of good, you can't have my time. I have my Lord and Savior Jesus, who already made a fool and public spectacle out of you (Colossians 2:15), the Word of God, and the army of Heaven on my side fighting for me. I serve the God whose way is better than any other.
And for that, the promises of the Lord and the eternal reward is so sweet.
Keep Being Blessed Beloved!
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