S235P8 – Intentional Christianity: watching for temptation

1 Cor. 10:9-12

We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. Therefore, let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.

Being a friend of the family for years, he saw her as a sister.  They had spent many holidays together growing up, and their families behaved not as friends but as relatives.  He eventually would get married and start a family of his own, but there would be trouble for the happy couple.  When he needed advice or a shoulder to cry on, he turned not to his brothers or his male friends but to her.  Those who knew of this told him that it would be wiser for him to seek support or counsel elsewhere since he was a married man.  He shrugged off their concerns because he saw this as merely confiding in “family.”  He refused to believe that this friendship could tempt his flesh.  Even if it did, he never imagined that he would succumb to that temptation.

Let us make no mistake that our Father wants us to be confident in the power and freedom He gives us over sin.  We have been given access to complete liberty from that bondage.  However, this does not mean that we are above temptation.  It also does not mean that we are above making mistakes and falling when enticed.  It is dangerous overconfidence to think that we are above error and transgression. That kind of mindset makes us ignorant of the potential pitfalls around us and even might cause us to place ourselves in unwise situations.  If our intention is to walk out this faith correctly, not only will we recognize that we are susceptible to temptation, but we also will expect it and prepare for its arrival. 

Temptation is an enemy that has our failure as its goal.  Like a physical enemy we would encounter in natural warfare, temptation does not broadcast its approach.  It often shows up during times of weakness or other trouble, which will distract us from being prepared and have us drop our guard.  The intentional Christian is vigilant to watch for these traps even when things appear to be going well. That person keeps the sword and the shield up at all times because the enemy does not relent. That person has the wisdom to flee not just from temptation but from the circumstances and environments that could open the door for its entrance.  Father, keep us humble and wise to recognize that we are not impervious to temptation and that we must be prepared for it at all times.