When Temptation Calls by Rick Warren A wise man is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is arrogant and careless.” Proverbs 14:16 (NASB)Its common sense that if you dont want to get stung, stay away from the bees! If you dont want to get burned, dont get close to the fire! If you dont want to fall off the cliff, dont hang off the ledge!The goal is not to see how close you can get to the temptation but rather how far away from it you can stay.Proverbs 14:16 says, A wise man is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is arrogant and careless” (NASB). A fool thinks he can handle temptation, but who is he kidding? You dont go to a bar just to eat pretzels! You need to do a frank assessment. You need to analyze when and where you are most tempted and vulnerable. Then, you need to stay away from those situations as much as you can.The Bible says to run from temptation: I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your laws” (Psalm 119:59 NLT). If you have to physically remove yourself, do it! When Potiphar’s wife tempted Joseph, he left his coat and split. Sometimes you may have to leave your coat. Get out of the situation. Run from it. Dont stick around. When youre tempted, get up and change the channel. Or take a shower. Or turn on music. Go for a walk. Read the Bible. Call a Christian friend in your support group. Do something to break the spell.Here is some practical advice: Dont ever try to argue with the devil. Youll lose every time. Hes had thousands of years to think up lines to counter anything you could come up with. Dont rationalize it. Dont justify it. Dont argue it. The key thing to do is break the focus. Dont look at the cookies and repeat, I dont want them! I dont want them!” Who are you kidding? Turn around! The more you fight a feeling, the more it grows in intensity.When temptation calls you on the phone, dont try to argue. Just drop the receiver, and go do something else.Talk It OverWhere are you most tempted? Is it in airports? On business trips? At home when youre alone and the kids are at school? During the weekend? When you’re watching television? What changes do you need to make in your schedule or lifestyle to minimize your exposure to these situations?
Posted on: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 06:27:33 +0000
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