Are You Fighting Temptation?

The world is constantly bombarding us with sexual images, situations, ideas, philosophies, and innuendos. I will admit that there have been times that I have been blindsided by temptation or impure thoughts. As a young girl, it was the sleepovers with classmates who talked about sex, watched bad movies, and listened to impure music. As a teen, it was the steamy novel that I picked up unknowingly. As a young adult, it was the good TV series that turned sexual to keep its ratings up. In my mid-twenties, it was the unsaved co-worker who wanted to date me when I was lonely. I wish I could say that I responded to all of these temptations in the right way, but I didn’t. 

Maybe you understand. Maybe you were the one who was introduced to trashy novels, movies, books, porn, or a boyfriend with impure intentions. If you are struggling and fighting the draw to continue down an immoral path, decide today that you will make the change. There is no sin that is worth the loss of fellowship with God. {Tweet this} Don’t just keep this decision to yourself. Pray and ask God to help you. Also, it is important to find a strong Christian, perhaps one further along their spiritual journey, who can help you stick to your decision. Having a person who is willing to pray with you and ask you the hard questions of whether or not you have been pure is invaluable. 

Maybe you do not understand. You may feel like you are a strong Christian who does not struggle with the sexual sins. At different times in my life, I would have thought that about myself. I recently heard a quote which I wish I had actually put into practice a long time ago. “In moments of strength, make decisions that will prevent temptations in moments of weakness.” – Randy Alcorn. {Tweet this} Read Proverbs 7 and ask yourself if you are like the young man. Are you a young person lacking sense? Do you pass along a street near the corner of temptation? Do you have areas in your life that you have set yourself up for a fall? The worst thing you can say to yourself is that you will never do _______ (fill in the blank). But by the grace of God, we are all capable of ANY sin.

If you honestly looked at your books, internet, TV, movies, conversations, and thoughts would you be able to stand before God innocent? Every time I read Romans 12:1, I am convicted. “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” I desire to fulfill my own fleshly lusts. Yet, I am required to present my body as a holy, living sacrifice to God. Romans 13:14 says, “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” By God’s power, you can starve your temptations; you do not have to feed your lusts. May the Holy Spirit work in all of our hearts showing us the areas where we need to change, and even more our need for Him!  

About Shelly

Growing up with a strong Christian family, Shelly has had the privilege of having many godly, influential people in her life. Besides going to college in Indiana and teaching school for 1 year in Texas, she has lived in Minnesota her whole life. Recently, she moved to Colorado after meeting her husband on E-Harmony. She is extremely humbled by how the Almighty God works in our lives in such personal ways. Shelly is now a missionary to college students. She is thrilled with the opportunity to share the gospel with college students, to help them grow in their faith, and to encourage them to be sold out servants for God. She enjoys coffee, books, volleyball, bike rides, movies, long walks, and playing games. 

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