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Guarding Against Temptation

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By Charles F. Stanley

All temptation begins with a single thought. Whether we realize it or not, we have the ability to choose to ignore tempting thoughts or allow them to remain in our minds. If not kept in check, our temptations can lead to disappointment, failure, rejection, isolation, and a host of other consequences. Perhaps that is why the apostle Paul wisely instructed the Corinthians to bring “every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5).

Through the presence of the Holy Spirit within us, we have the ability to screen, select, admit, and cultivate what goes on in our minds. By His power, we can prevent our minds from taking a wrong turn and wandering into evil—but we must choose to focus on what is godly and good (Phil. 4:8).

Through Christ, we have the ability to choose how we will think about what we perceive with our senses. While we have no control over some things that come into our field of vision or within our range of hearing, we do control how we will think about what we perceive and how we will act on that information.

When things come into our range of sensation or perception, we must immediately evaluate them through the “filter” of God’s Word. If we find ourselves dwelling on a thought, we must ask ourselves, “Why am I thinking this? What is at the root of my thought? What will happen if I continue to think this way? Is this really the direction I want my life to go?”

Remember that while temptation itself is not sinful, it does entice us to sin and disobey God. When tempted, we are wise to never act upon ungodly impulses, desires, and lusts. We can choose to think godly thoughts, act according to His will, and “do all [things] to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31).

Copyright 2011 In Touch Ministries, Inc. All rights reserved. www.intouch.org. In Touch grants permission to print for personal use only.


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