We have thousands of opportunities to say ‘No' to temptation each day. Should I look a little longer at that pretty girl? Should I buy what they are selling on that billboard? (Should I even let myself want what they are selling on that billboard?).
Could it be that as we communicate in greater and more novel ways there are more opportunities for us to be seduced? (15 years ago I never worried about clicking on a pornographic email or pop-up). Could it be that as we move about more freely that we become exposed to more billboards, more messages, and more people who are trying to entice us to do what they want?
The restaurant was trying to sell me their lemon meringue pie. They weren't bashful about it. They put that pie right in front of my nose to tempt me to buy it. But do they care about my weight, my cholesterol or my sugar count? Maybe so, but not as much as they care about their profits.
Yes, we are in a battle over who is going to govern our emotions and desires, and it is intensifying. It is a battle for our souls. The losers are the double-minded. To win, each day we must internally declare, "I will not and must not become a slave to the manipulations of others. I must govern my body and my desires; they must not govern me!"
That's the beginning of the battle but not the end. How many of us have tried new diets or made New Year's resolutions? Will power is essential, but will power by itself won't get the job done. We must get some help...
Many different religions have promoted different methods to help people say ‘No' to their carnal appetites. But only in Christ, I believe, is supernatural power made available to resist temptation.
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, Titus 2:11-12
What is this 'grace' that brings salvation? It is nothing short of the presence and power of God Himself made available to people. And 'salvation'? Well, it is more than just a free pass through the pearly gates. 'Salvation' is also God's power to make us better.
God the Father and Jesus His Son continually promise us that we can have God's power to say ‘No' to the devil, to temptations, and to our own desires.
...we can have God's power to say ‘No' to the devil, to temptations, and to our own desires.
As Jesus promised before He left this planet, "you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8. Through this power God wants to make us a living message to the world. Not only can we find new strength to say ‘No' to the many enticements around us. We can also be witnesses in the world's court that God really can influence people, make them better and save their souls.
So as you enter the world again today, and are bombarded with its many messages and temptations, make up your mind in advance to say an emphatic ‘NO'! And call out to the One who has both the concern and the ability to help you stand your ground.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.... Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Eph.6:10,13
