This chapter continues the series of chapters about experiences that define us. I call them the don't run away chapters. These things used to make me run away: troubles, temptation, truth. But spiritual maturity ensures that we face them head on and to look for the purpose they serve in our lives.
Point to Ponder: Every temptation is an opportunity to do good.
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
What Christ like character quality can I develop by defeating the most common temptation I face?
Verse to remember: "God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." James 1:12
My response:
The chapter says that you should view every temptation as an opportunity to defeat the devil. Every time we overcome it, we deal another blow to the enemy. So when we're faced with an offer to fall, relish turning it down.
We develop Christ-like character when we endure hardships and temptation. How we answer those challenges builds our character. They can be positive, but they can also be negative. Spiritual maturity pushes us into the positive category. God never forces us to do anything. He always gives us a choice. And temptation gives us that choice.
For example, God teaches us love by putting UNlovely people in our lives. It's not hard to love people that are lovable. But loving those that aren't builds character. God teaches us about joy by allowing sorrow to enter our lives.
Temptation is something that begins within us. It starts with a desire we have, sometimes legitimate, and sometimes evil. But Satan begins to legitimize that desire into evil ways. The key for us is to recognize in our lives the areas that we're vulnerable to temptation and to guard against them. Be blessed.
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