Temptations and hardships are not problems, but being tempted is a problem. A person is tempted when he has strong feelings or emotions to do something that is ethically or morally wrong even though he knows that it is wrong. This strong desire makes the sin looks attractive and enjoyable and diminishes its consequences in the mind. Most people who do evil do it knowing very well that what they do is wrong, but they lack the ability to resist it.
The consequences of sin are death, and this is very serious. Jesus was also tempted by the devil after his 40 days of fasting (Mat. 4:3-11) He overcame the temptations by quoting the scriptures. He further instructs people to cut their arms, or scourge their eyes if they are making them be tempted (Matt. 5:29-30). So, don’t play or entertain sin, because it is very serious for your life and for your family.
No matter how big or strong the temptation maybe, if you overcome it in your mind and in your heart, you have really overcome it. You need to overcome and win the battle of temptations and sin in your mind and heart before you can win it in the world. If you think you are weak, don’t stay around people, or things that may lead you to be tempted. You need to manage what you see, what you hear, and what you feel. Be honest to yourself when you are tempted, and take action to get out of such temptations as soon as possible.
See what the scripture says in
James 1:13-15 ESV (13) “Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. (14) But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. (15) Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully grown, brings forth death.”
*Overcoming Temptations*.
From Simtandile Dlepuma.
Stay blessed.