How do you deal with temptation?

Do you struggle with temptation? I heard someone saying, “I don’t struggle with temptation, I just give in to it!” Oh my!

There isn’t a day that goes by that we aren’t tempted in some way. Temptation comes in many forms; we’re tempted not to tell the truth; to take something that doesn’t belong to us; to take advantage of someone; to gossip; to overeat; to hold a grudge; to take something the wrong way; or even to withhold our time, talent and treasure from God.

The Discipleship Journal magazine asked its readers to rank the areas of greatest spiritual challenge to them. The top five were:

1. Materialism

2. Pride

3. Self-centeredness

4. Laziness

5. Anger/bitterness

The respondents also noted that temptations were stronger when they had neglected spending time with God (81 percent) and when they were physically tired (57 percent).

The truth is that temptation is everywhere. What’s yours? How do you deal with temptation?

First, don’t be surprised by it.

If we are going to successfully deal with temptation, we must expect it. James says, “When tempted …” He didn’t say, “If tempted.” We should never be surprised when we are tempted.

Temptation is universal. Everyone is tempted. If you meet someone who is never tempted by anything, there is one conclusion that you can draw about that person. They’re dead! As long as you’re breathing, there will be temptations.

Temptation is inevitable. If you’re not being tempted right now, just hold on because it’s coming. Temptation is not something that you get past. There is no “free pass” to skip temptation. It’s inevitable.

Temptation is personal. We all have our personal temptations. We are all vulnerable in different ways. Temptation is a personal thing. Some things that don’t tempt you – tempt me. And some things that don’t tempt me – may tempt you.

There’s no doubt that temptations will come to all of us. So we need to be ready. Don’t be surprised by it.

Second, don’t be confused by it.

The next step in handling temptation is to understand where temptation comes from. Some would argue that it’s God’s fault. That was Adam’s logic. Notice that when confronted by God for eating the apple, first he blamed Eve “The woman” but indirectly he blamed God, “The woman who you gave me.” We still play the same old blame game.

Temptation begins with desire. Our desires are extremely powerful. Now, not all desires are wrong. Many desires keep us alive and cause us to be healthy, well adjusted human beings.

Remember, nothing can separate us from God’s love – but there are times we don’t accept it – we actually run from it. When we do that, we miss out on so much joy and love and peace in our lives.

To deal with temptation don’t be confused by it, understand it and … third, don’t be deceived by it.

God’s light brings power, understanding and wisdom in dealing with the temptations that come into our lives. Everything we need is given to us through the Christ within us.

God also will always make a way of escape. Sometimes that way of escape is to simply run. If we find ourselves in a place of temptation we might simply need to get out of there. That may be our way of escape. Or, God may give us the strength to bear up under the temptation. In any event, God will make a way.

So, don’t be surprised by temptation. Expect it. It comes to everyone. It will come to you. It’s inevitable. Don’t be deceived by temptation. Stand up to it.

Rev. Dan Koeshall is the Senior Pastor at The Metropolitan Community Church (The Met) in San Diego, California, themetchurch.org.