Of temptations

I find great inertia in writing this entry. Because I doubt i have internalized what i know about overcoming temptations from the bible.

We all understand that temptation is not only sexual in nature, but can be over morals, values and integrity. Some of us prefer to take the easy way out of tough situations instead of persevering. Lot’s wife was tempted by her past lifestyle. I have friends who give in to the temptations of comfort eating or shopping when the going gets tough.

The bible has much to say about temptations: it warns against complacency (So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! 1 Cor 10:12), to flee from them (Flee from sexual immorality 1 Cor 6:18), to fight them (Resist the devil, and he will flee form you James 4:7b), that Jesus can help us (Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted Hebrews 2:18), and who can forget how our Lord kicked Satan's butt by overcoming temptations (Luke 4:1-13).

Yet, sometimes i still find myself as much a novice in overcoming temptations as when i first know the Lord. Does that mean God's word has no power? Surely not. The bible says God's word will not return void (Isa 55:11) and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (2 Tim 3:16).

So, with a tinge of frustration i asked, "what's the matter man?!" I think we can attribute it to 2 persons.

1) Chit
With the benefit of time, I have got to know him so much better. He takes on many appearances, but mostly as a gentle whisper. His usual one-liner goes something like this: Hey take it easy and not be too hard on yourself man. After all, to err is divine right? For lack of a better word, chitman contributes a large part to me giving in to temptations. He is the fleshy man in each of us.

I like to pray this prayer nowadays:

"Lord, harden me against myself,
The coward with the pathetic voice
Who craves for ease and joy and rest
Myself, arch-traitor to myself
My hollowest friend,
My deadliest foe,
My clog, whatever road I go."

2) Satan
The bible has many things to say about this kid, but ill leave it for another day. In a nutshell, he wars against us, accuses us and plans full-time to bring us down. He also operates in a gentle voice sometimes, but his influence is all over this fallen world.

How nice it will be if i can end this post by declaring that i have fully overcome temptations in my life and share with you the methods. But i have not. All i know is that we are more than conquerors in Christ and nothing can separate us from his love.

I also know God has given us weapons though (woo, like CounterStrike like that):

"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds." 2 Cor 10:3-4

"Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit in all occasions wth all kinds of prayers and requests."
Eph 6:14-18a

Take heart, my friends!