A World Brimming With Temptation
by Steve Arterburn

Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour. Take a firm stand against him, and be strong in your faith. 1 Peter 5:8-9 NLT

Its inevitable: today you will be tempted by somebody or somethingin fact, you will probably be tempted on countless occasions. Why? Because you live in a world thats filled to the brim with temptations and addictions that are intended to lead you far, far away from God.

Here in the 21st century, temptations are now completely and thoroughly woven into the fabric of everyday life. Seductive images are everywhere; subtle messages tell you that its okay to sin just a little; and to make matters even worse, society doesnt just seem to endorse godlessness, it actually seems to reward it. Society spews forth a wide range of messages, all of which imply that its okay to rebel against God. These messages, of course, are extremely dangerous and completely untrue.

How can you stand up against societys tidal wave of temptations? By learning to direct your thoughts and your eyes toward things that are pleasing to God . . . and by relying upon Him to help you stay focused on things that are whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable (Philippians 4:8). And heres the good news: the Creator has promised (not implied, not suggested, not insinuatedHe has promised!) that with His help, you can resist every single temptation that confronts you.

Once you firmly decide to stand up to temptation, you are never alone. God is always with you, and if you do your part, He will do His part. But what, precisely, is your part? A good starting point is simply learning how to recognize the subtle temptations that surround you. The images of immorality are ubiquitous, and theyre intended to hijack your mind, your heart, your pocketbook, your life, and your soul. Dont let them do it.

Most Christians do not know or fully realize that the adversary of our lives is Satan and that his main tool is our flesh, our old nature. Bill Bright

The first step on the way to victory is to recognize the enemy. Corrie ten Boom

Character builder
Ask yourself these important questions: What images, people, or places are you likely to encounter today that might encourage you to think impure thoughts? And how will you prepare yourself to respond to these temptations?


View this Daily Devotion at NewLife.com