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Tempting

  • March 15, 2024
  • Posted by: Carolyn Mahal
  • Category: Devotions
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No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13

Ever see a movie, television show, or a cartoon that featured a character who was struggling to make an obviously right or wrong decision? When this happens, the person might have a tiny angel appear on one of their shoulders, advising them to do the right thing, while on the other shoulder sits a little devil suggesting they should give into the temptation. These personifications of good and evil provide an amusing way of seeing what the person is thinking, allowing them to wrestle with the pros and cons of their decision. It also speaks to who people are on a deeper level.

In most cases, the angel is portrayed as an uptight, joy-destroying prude while the devil is a fun-loving and cool dude. I guess that is the nature of temptation. After all, by definition, doing the right thing isn’t tempting, and doing the wrong thing requires no discipline. So, with that established, let me ask you a simple question. As a member of the audience watching these types of scenes play out, which of the two shoulder critters do you find yourself rooting for?

I know. The devil made you do it!

This scenario isn’t limited to actors on TV. It’s a real-life situation. No, you will not see little characters appear on your shoulders (and if you do, seek help immediately). However, you will argue with yourself over right and wrong decisions every day of your life. Topics may include:

  • Should I fix the error on the restaurant bill, even though it will cost me more money?
  • Should I keep flirting with this person even though we’re both married to other people?
  • Should I make a joke about someone so I can be a member of the popular group?
  • Should I ignore the mess made by my kids and let my spouse discover it?
  • Should I use the company credit card for a personal item, knowing that no one will question it?
  • Should I hit the drive-thru despite my high blood pressure and high cholesterol?

These are all questions based on moral dilemmas that have obviously correct answers. What makes them tricky are the layers of excuses that can be applied to them as justification. Despite our best efforts to blame all our mistakes on the devil, the reality is we don’t need his encouragement to sin. Our minds will justify sinful behaviors for a variety of reasons, such as:

  • It’s not so bad.
  • Everybody’s doing it.
  • It’s not hurting anyone but me.
  • It makes me happy so it’s not bad.
  • I’ll never have the chance to do this again.
  • I deserve it.

Ever used any of this logic to justify your actions? Probably. Unfortunately, the problem here is these beliefs don’t make wrong things right. They’re just lies, dressed up to look like harmless rationales for dangerous behavior. It’s kind of like believing that bullets would be less fatal if they were pink.

When it comes to temptation and the struggles it provides, we can confidently turn to our Lord for help. Jesus himself, combated the same temptations we face daily. Things made Him happy, sad, excited, and frustrated. The story of His life also gives us encouragement to follow His lead. Jesus also gives us His word through the scriptures as a template to follow. to seek Him in prayer. Through prayer, we can share our temptations with God so we might rely upon Him to give us the clarity to identify temptations and the strength to choose wisely. And because He loves us, He will guide us to choose things that will be in our best interest here on earth (Jeremiah 29:11, Matthew 11:28-30) and for eternity (John 14:6).

Seek out the will of God in your life. Let the example of Christ guide you in every decision. Leave behind the world and its evil ways Stand firm against the devil and his many lies. In doing so, you will not only receive his blessing, but you will also be a blessing to those whom God brings into your life to receive eternal life from Him.

 

Devotion by Richard Schumacher

Senior Director of Operations