Howdy, temptation tamers!
Today, we’re going to examine how temptation works and learn how to avoid falling into its traps. Ready to become a master bait-dodger and expert angler of faith? Let’s dive into James 1:14-15!
14But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
James 1:14–15 (ESV)
Temptation is like a sneaky fisherman. It lures us in with attractive bait, and before we know it, we’re hooked. James describes this process, explaining that temptation starts with our “own evil desire” (v 14), which entices and drags us away. Once we’ve taken the bait, desire gives birth to sin, which eventually leads to death (v 15).
The key to not taking the bait lies in recognizing the warning signs and practicing discernment. Be aware of the situations that might lead you down a slippery slope. Are there certain environments or people that make it harder for you to resist temptation? Identify these triggers and take steps to avoid or counteract them. Like a cunning fish that can spot the hook and swim away, we can learn to see through temptation and make a quick escape.
One effective way to resist temptation is by replacing it with something better. When you feel the urge to give in to a sinful desire, shift your focus to something that aligns with your faith and values. Bounce your eyes, take a cold shower, reach out to friends or mentors, or fill your mind with Scripture and prayer. Grab a lifeline rather than take the bait!
So, fellow temptation tamers and fishers of faith, let’s become experts at recognizing and resisting the devil’s bait. Remember, the best way to short-circuit temptation is to never take the bait in the first place! As we practice discernment and watch out for the devil’s bait, we’ll steer clear of the hooks and nets of temptation, swimming free in the ocean of God’s grace.
What are some warning signs or triggers that you’ve noticed in your life, and how can you avoid or counteract them to resist temptation?
Temptation warning signs and triggers for me are when I am tired or irritated or stressed or don’t have daily plans or when I have not spent time with God being filled by His love and care. I can counter act by spending time with God first thing in the morning being filled by the Holy Spirit acknowledging His presence by praying and reading the Word. Also, saying “no” to unnecessary things like scrolling on my phone, going to bed early enough so that I can wake up early to spend time with God, turning off all notifications. The following verses come to mind, “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”.
The warning signs for me are my own conscience which I believe is the Holy Spirit prompting me that I am headed for trouble and also when I begin to rationalize with myself on behavior or actions. A specific trigger that I am aware of is also when we begin to ask ourselves where the line is for a specific action or behavior. I have found that instead of asking where the line is, it is much better to avoid being anywhere near the line to begin with. Also, like the reading was saying, I have found it very effective to replace our sinful desires with godly desires.
One of the biggest warning signs that I’ve noticed in my own life is the thought that I am ok, that I’ve been “cured,” so to speak. What I mean is the idea that I don’t need any help- that I am completely self-sufficient. Historically this has led to isolating, which in turn has led to letting back on my spiritual maintenance, which inevitably leads to “self will run riot,” and drifting away from God and right back on the path to death and destruction. I have found the best way to combat this is to spend time daily in the Word, pray constantly, submerge myself into community and fellowship, be of service to others, and apply the spiritual principles of AA into my daily life as best I can. I’ve learned that if I don’t remain vigilant in these things, I will inevitably land face first right back on the street all over again. I praise God for all the grace He has shown me to finally begin to realize this!
A warning sign for me is to gauge my level of stress. When I haven’t spent time with God in prayer and His Word enough I lack that inner peace. In order to counteract/resist temptation of being busy, I need to renew my mind and heart. One verse that is helpful is “…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Philippians 4:8
Some of the warning signs or triggers that I notice in my life consists of things that would make me feel uncomfortable. Sometimes when I’m in a dilemma I’ll try to make justifications for it. After thinking about this, something that could help is seeing it more as black and white rather than gray. I think often times, I find myself in the gray. However, shying away from making the wrong decision I need to see whether or not it will honor myself and God
When I’m very tired & not well rested, I’m more vulnerable to falling into temptation. I get annoyed a lot easier, I get angry a lot quicker, and I’m likely to make poor decisions when I’m tired. If I’m tired, I should just go to sleep LOL. Also, when I’m not rooted in scripture & spending time to pray, my flesh is weak! I def need to counteract by reorienting my heart towards God by surrendering to Him in prayer