In John 10:10 (NKJV), Jesus tells us, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” This verse shows how much God wants us to live blessed lives. Thanks to Jesus, we can truly experience abundant life here on earth. But we also have an enemy—the thief Jesus talks about—who’s determined to keep us from those blessings. By staying wise and watchful with our Heavenly Father’s help and guidance, we can continue growing closer to Him. We can keep growing spiritually in Christ and stay a step ahead of the enemy’s tricks.
We must recognize that one of the enemy’s tactics is temptation. It draws us to do things that pull us away from God’s Will and righteousness. Temptation often masquerades as an appealing shortcut to immediate satisfaction or fulfillment, promising quick gratification. But it leads us to compromise our commitment to follow the example of Christ. It puts a strain on our relationship with God. Whether it’s wanting more money, chasing after desires that feel good temporarily but don’t last, or getting caught up in wanting recognition, temptation uses our weaknesses against us.
As Christians, we’re called to resist these temptations. We must be confident that God has given us the strength through Christ to say no and stay true to Him. Being aware and watchful, praying, and sticking close to what the Bible teaches helps us beat temptation and live the way God wants us to. He warns us in 1 Peter 5:8 (NLT), “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” Being alert means recognizing when we’re being tempted and relying on God’s guidance to navigate those moments safely. With His help, we can stand firm against the enemy’s schemes and continue following the path God has set for us.
When it comes to obtaining all that God has in store for us and living a content and peaceful existence, temptation is like a critical warning signal, a dangerous area where every Christian’s determination is tested. We can’t allow our desires to get out of hand, because doing so causes us to veer off the right path. James 1:14 (NLT) says, “Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.” It stems from our sinful desires, urging us to satisfy our flesh despite the spiritual consequences. When our flesh is in opposition to where the Holy Spirit is leading us, we stray away from God. We can prevent this from happening and we should.
It’s critical to recognize and acknowledge our weak spots. We must know our limits so we’re steadfast in overcoming them through Jesus Christ. This shows we’re growing spiritually and making the choice to remain close to God.
For those who may not be familiar with God’s Word or His character, there can be a misunderstanding that He puts us in situations of temptation. James 1:13 (NLT) clarifies this misconception: “And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else.” The temptations we face stem from the brokenness of our world and our own desires, not from God. He doesn’t abandon us to struggle alone; rather, He assists us. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT) reassures us: “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” These verses show that God is always there, faithfully providing us with a way to resist and get through temptations with His help.
He’s faithful to help us, but despite Him showing us the escape route every time we’re tempted, we often choose to ignore it, opting instead to follow our own desires. It’s common to hear excuses like “I didn’t mean to do it,” but this is often a way of avoiding responsibility. It’s crucial that we acknowledge our own role in these choices and understand that with God’s help, we can resist temptation and live according to His Will, growing in spiritual maturity and faith.
God’s love remains steadfast despite our failures, yet we cannot escape the consequences of our actions. Instead, we are called to grow and mature in faith, striving for self-control and resilience against triggers and temptations. Overcoming temptation involves being self-aware, applying the wisdom found in God’s Word, and staying committed to His standards. It requires humility to seek God’s forgiveness when we fall short. Through His grace and our determination, we can resist the allure of sin and gain greater spiritual strength by remaining committed to follow the example of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. ■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
“Know Your Limits”, written by KLizzie, edited by Fran Mack and Kim Times, for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2024. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.