Dabbling with temptation, is like trying to take a bath in a mud puddle, very counter- productive.
Temptation is everywhere, at the store, at work, driving in your car, sitting in front of your computer, in your heart and in your mind.
#1 Recognize: This can be a simple common sense issue or a deep rooted issue of the heart. If we are not aware of our weaknesses they will just continue to grow, so ask Jesus to help you see those areas in your life that need some weed picken and surrender all.
You may know of an area in your life that has always been a struggle for you, "Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary." Galatians 6:9
I personally have the tendency to be an,"all or nothing," type a gal, which can be both a bad or a good thing, but when related to sinning it is bad.
"I have already messed up, a little more won't change anything, right?"-Wrong!!!
A matter of the heart, "For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." 1Samuel 16:7b
#2 Repent: "And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Acts 2:38
Overcoming temptations is usually not an easy task or else they wouldn't be temptations. His kindness will lead to repentance, His everlasting grace and love will lead to repentance, but will we be humble before the throne of Christ and repent? Will we except the gift of grace or revel in our sin, afraid to trust a God that is Love?
Discouragement can be a tool the enemy uses to keep you from repenting, to rid you with condemnation, because he knows once you repent the Holy Spirit shows up and he knows he doesn't stand a chance after that!
Don't be afraid hold onto the promise Christ gave us, "No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13
#3 Recoil: "So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart." 2Timothy 2:22
The saying, "If you play with fire your gonna get burned," as is with dabbling in temptations.
"Do not be deceived: "Bad company corrupts good morals." 1 Corinthians 15:33
All it takes is one tiny compromise, and when that seed of evil is planted it overtakes your heart like a weed. "You are like a private garden, my treasure, my bride! You are like a spring that no one else can drink from, a fountain of my own." Song of Solomon 4:12
God is a jealous God, and will not share your heart with evil, that is why we must flee from it, so that we can come back to our first love, the one that layed down His life, there is no greater love.
The 3 R's....my Father is rubbing off on me .....Do not grow weary my friends, for the present sufferings do not compare to the glory which will be revealed to us!!
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