I am tempted everyday. It's a part of my nature.... my human nature. Before you criticize, judge or 'grade my fruits' (we've all heard that we can & should be fruit graders Matt. 7:16 and not judges) let me defend myself by asking you to peek at your own life. I'll wait......Here, use this: Romans 3:23.......::singing to myself:::......How about it? See any spots on the fruits in your life? Thought so. You're in good company! At least now we are speaking the same theology. Moving on....As much as I would like to get into a discussion of 'lesser sins vs. greater sins', I choose not to right now. Let's save it for another time. What I want to focus on is how to avoid the walk towards the 'temptation'. Better said, how we can recognize the signs and avoid setting ourselves up for a bad decision or 'giving-in' or succumbing to a temptation.
There are four recognized 'states of mind' that are especially poor times to make any, yes ANY, decisions. During these four "states" we are especially susceptible to be swayed in the wrong direction. If we are tempted during any of them, or a combination of them, we are almost sure to find ourselves with the proverbial deer-in-the-headlights-look. Some call it a 'weak moment'. We ALL want to blame 'inherited tendencies' or call it simply: a 'poor choice'? Come on! Don't sound so non-blameworthy; so guiltless. It's as if we aren't held accountable or even remotely culpable for our own actions.
To avoid being beaten by temptation, the first state of mind to avoid is: HUNGER. It's a known fact that when a person is physically hungry their blood sugar goes down, they are a little irritable (or a lot). We even tend to purchase more groceries when we are hungry. We want to satiate the hunger so we make quick, poor decisions just to fill a need.
ANGER is the second situation that tends to put us in a weakened state and through it, we are very prone to the Temptor's hand. Have you ever said things to a friend, neighbor or even a stranger that you regret? I like the text in James 1:26 that reads "If anyone among you thinks that he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless." NKJV. WOW! It's better to cool off before saying anything. Anger feeds the temptation. Recognize your emotions. Don't make decisions out of anger.
The third state of mind is LONELINESS. Recognize your lonely state of mind. Kingdoms have fallen, lives have been lost and certainly poor decisions have been made when we are in a lonely state. Keeping ourselves around friends of the same calling, understanding and faith, helps us not to be as lonely. Loneliness confuses the rational state of mind. Many people recognize their loneliness and try to defend themselves by finding 'dark dungeons' and imbibing in a beverage "that moveth aright in the glass" Proverbs 23:31. It's difficult to find God in dark taverns. He is there, but remembering to call His name while inebriated is the challenge.
Last, but certainly not least, is the state of being TIRED. Studies of sleep deprivation have proven that we aren't worth a hoot when we don't get our sleep. In fact, lack of sleep imitates being drunk. Decisions should NOT be made in a sleep deprived state. You will be more easily tempted when you are tired.
Jesus was severely tempted when He was hungry in the wilderness.
I believe the Temptor was in the temple closely following Jesus and encouraging Jesus' anger, however justified, to boil beyond the merchants in the temple. He contained His anger!
When Jesus was lonely he was severely tempted to give-up; asking for the "cup to be passed from Him". He remained prayerful!
When Jesus was tired and slept in the boat on the Sea of Galilee, He apparently recognized His need for rest. To control the winds of the sea and/or strife calls for a fresh mind. Jesus needed his rest and recognized when to lay down His weary head. Apparently controlling the elements is best done AFTER a deep sleep. Interesting example!
So, those are the four steps to help make better decisions when tempted. We are all tempted, but if you can remember the acronym H.A.L.T. and to pause for power (through Jesus Christ), you will be stronger.
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