Every person alive faces temptations.
The temptations we encounter may differ, but the reality of being tempted is common to all.
Scripture promises that God provides a “way of escape” for every temptation (1 Cor. 10:13).
Perhaps the most overlooked of these escapes is quite obvious…
It’s to remember your calling.
The nature of temptation is to seduce or lead you away from what God wants you doing with your life.
Solomon addresses this in the book of Proverbs when he warns about the seductive woman (Pr. 5-7).
With this temptation the lure of sexual pleasure is blatant.
But under the surface of this appeal is something more basic — the leading away from God’s call.
This goal of ‘leading away’ applies to temptations not involving sexual lust too.
For example, temptations to…
– Compromise values
– Indulge yourself with entertainment
– Overeat or drink
– Harbor resentments toward others
Can all be ways to distract you from what the Lord has given you to pursue.
The good news is…
Once you realize this, whatever temptation you’re facing tends to lose its pull.
So next time you’re tempted, remember…
Whatever may be seducing you will never fulfill you or satisfy you in the way staying on mission will.
So just let the temptation pass you by.
Let it drop.
And get on with the good God has given you to do.
Let your eyes look directly forward,
and your gaze be straight before you.
Ponder the path of your feet;
then all your ways will be sure.
Do not swerve to the right or to the left;
turn your foot away from evil.
Pr. 4:25-27