How to Overcome Temptation
Why is temptation so hard to resist? Why is it that normally strong, disciplined people may occasionally be enticed to overindulge, lie, commit some sexual indiscretion or do something else that seems totally out of character for them?Is anyone immune from temptation? Will we ever be rid of it?
This week I've been looking for answers to those questions in the ultimate self-help book on human behavior—Genesis. By examining the first recorded case study on temptation, that of Eve and Adam, here's are six insights into how temptation works and how to avoid it.
1. Recognize the deception within every temptation and assert the truth.
The serpent was the first vehicle for delivering temptation because it was "crafty." Temptation is an adversarial process in which Satan aims to convince you to do something you know is wrong. Deception is the primary tactic, which he introduced by asking, "Did God really say. . . ?"
To overcome temptation, recognize it for what it is--and attempt by Satan to manipulate you. When you start asking questions like these, realize that you're being deceived.
- Is it really cheating if you don't actually have sex?
- How can it be gossip if what you're saying is true?
- Are you sure it's stealing if it's just office supplies?
2. Minimize temptation by meeting your deepest needs in healthy ways.
Temptation is powerful because it appeals to the deepest needs we have as human beings: love, security, self-esteem, happiness, freedom. The kicker for Eve was the desire to gain knowledge. Who doesn't want to be smart, powerful, and in control?
The promise was false, of course. The essence of temptation is the belief that doing what you know to be wrong will somehow make you feel better.
What is your deepest unmet need? This is precisely where you will be most vulnerable to temptation. Recognize that need in yourself and see that it is met in healthy ways. If you do not feel important, lying about your achievements will not fill that need; creating close friendships will. If your marriage lacks intimacy, an affair will not leave you feeling valued; a deeper relationship with God will.
3. Don't rationalize.
If temptation is to become sin, your will must become involved at some point. For awhile, all Eve did was listen to the serpent. But after awhile, she too began to play the what-if game. It sure looks good, she thought. And it is getting close to lunchtime. That was the point where she lost control--when she also began listing reasons why disobedience might be a good idea.
Don't cooperate with the devil by creating a rationalization for sin, entertaining thoughts like these:
- I guess one time would be okay.
- I've had a tough week; I deserve this!
- Actually, this might wind up helping our marriage.
Eve was tempted when alone. Together, they might have withstood temptation by reinforcing the truth to one another. Alone, she was easier prey. The same is always true for us. So one effective way to weaken temptation is to say it aloud. Inside your head, nearly any bizarre action can begin to sound right. In the company of others, temptation sounds more like what it is--a self-justifying rationalization to do something you know to be wrong.
Ask your wife if it's okay to cheat at golf, and see how silly it sounds. Tell your best friend you're thinking of stealing from your company and you'll be less likely to do it.
5. Walk away.
Eve could have ended this conversation after the first exchange. She knew the truth and said it aloud. But she hung around, giving the tempter another shot. The best way to overcome temptation is to avoid it entirely by making yourself absent from the people, places, and things that tempt you.
- If you're tempted to overeat, stay away from the fridge.
- If you have a problem with racking up debt, cut up your credit card.
- If you keep drinking too much, don't drink at all.
6. If you fail, confess it and start again.
If you've fallen for a particular temptation repeatedly, you may have concluded that you're helpless in this area and will always fail. That's just who I am, you may think. I guess I'll never change.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
The Bible says that if we confess our sin, God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 Jn. 1:9). Don't allow your failure to become permanent.
God does not intend for you to live a helpless, powerless life, constantly repeating the same mistakes. He wants you to live a victorious, holy life, growing more like Jesus every day. The Bible promises this:
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 (1 Cor. 10:13).
Is it possible to overcome temptation? Yes, with God's help, you can.
What about you? What have you found effective in battling temptation?
Labels: Christian Life, Temptation
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