No one is immune to temptation. However, if we continually resist, then we will be strengthened in our faith. “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7). The first part of this verse is critical and often overlooked. We must be submitted to God to have the authority to withstand temptation. When we walk in the Spirit, we do not give into the desires of the flesh. Before I learned how to walk in the Spirit, I was constantly being pulled off course. Even though I had willpower, it simply was not enough when the thoughts and emotions of the seduction came to me. Some people have more willpower than others; however, willpower will fail at some point for everyone. It is simply not possible to live without sin in our own strength.

So, here are some practical steps that can take to overcome temptation:

1. Don’t yield to temptation in the first place. Have you ever noticed that it’s almost impossible to put down a bag of potato chips once you’ve started eating them? This is how it is with temptation. If you give into it, even a little, then your flesh will want more. So, the first key is to learn to recognize evil, then, guard your heart against it. I heard someone say once, “don’t get it twisted”. Even though this is slang, I think it’s an appropriate way to describe avoiding sin. When you do the right thing, God will reward you.
2. Avoid bad fellowship. Have you noticed that the Bible says that “bad company corrupts good character” (1 Corinthians 15:33) and not the other way around. It’s clear who you should avoid: “But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” (Revelation 21:8)
3. Stand firm in your Faith. I have a picture of a lighthouse in the middle of crashing waves in my study. Whenever I feel pressure or stress, I look at that picture. The lighthouse doesn’t move. When you are doing right, you shouldn’t either.
4. Be strong in the LORD. Don’t water down your walk with God for other people. In everything we do, we’re doing it for God. So, why would we be concerned about what other people say and think about us? “What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)
5. Refuse to compromise God’s Word. “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God.” (Luke 8:11) I’ve heard it said that our heart will grow whatever word-seed we plant (or allow to be planted) in it. Like weeds in your yard, it’s possible to have something come up that you didn’t knowingly plant. That’s why it’s critical that we constantly plant God’s Word in our heart, and not the words and images of the enemy.
6. Have a pure heart. We know that a house divided against itself cannot stand, yet, we often entertain “little” sins. It’s very rare (maybe never) that you find a drug addict that has never smoked marijuana. This is why they call it a gateway drug. In the same way, it’s impossible for someone to commit adultery without first “playing” with the thoughts of it. While people cannot see your thoughts, eventually, your thoughts will be seen through your actions. Even if you think you’re getting away with it, you’re not. “There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.” (Luke 12:2) If you have something in your thinking that is not in alignment with God’s Word, confess it right now and repent to God. This is the process of removing weeds from our heart. You may have to do it repeatedly (like every 5 or 10 minutes), but it will eventually go away.

The reason that we are tempted is because our flesh is not pure. While our Spirit is pure, our flesh must be tamed. We all have evil desires within our flesh; however, it is not God who is tempting us to act on those desires. “When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” (James 1:13-15)

God is a good God and will always give us a way out. “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].

The world is external and superficial and we are told here not to conform to it. You may be inflexible emotionally because circumstances have you down. You may not have been taught that you can take authority by speaking and acting on the Word. I encourage you to be flexible and be transformed in your mind and emotions. Don’t allow religious dogma (or any mental negativity) to stifle your growth and pending flexibility. Be willing to change your thoughts by feeding on the Word. Take the old, impure and negative thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:2) — do it verbally. Under emotional pressure, call on God. Be flexible by speaking the Word instead of having a meltdown. Whatever your usual derogatory action, intentionally deflect it with the Word. And remember, all you need is one Word! Know that God has exalted above all things His name and His word (Psalm 138:2; Philippians 2:9-10).

Select one or two scriptures that cover your situation and commit them to memory. Faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17).

These actions will relinquish the control of your flesh from your emotions to your spirit. Once you create spiritual flexibility, you are on a collision course with success in life. For it is the Spirit, that guides us into the Truth (John 16:13-15). And if your mind and emotions are not in flex, how can your spirit lead you? Luke 8:18 AMP says that to him who has spiritual knowledge will more be given. Once again, flexibility begets flexibility. Feed your spirit and it will feed you. I trust you were enriched and encouraged by this series of articles. I welcome your feedback.

Be blessed friends and have the perfect day everyday!

Psalm 138:8

— Shontta

And coupled with the Blessing of the Lord, flexibility can change your life. In Genesis 12:2-3 God not only told Abram that He would be blessed, but that he would be a blessing. And in Deuteronomy 28:1-14, God said that every thing they put their hands to would be blessed. What type of flexibility did this require? In both of these references God also commanded his followers to be flexible in their actions. The human being had to make changes. Abram had to leave his kinsmen. The children of Israel had to fully obey the commands He was giving them. Herein is where flexibility brings the Blessing. I’ve witnessed people hinder the Blessing in their lives because of a lack of flexibility in certain areas. I’d like to share some insight on these. Vocational, financial, mental, emotional and spiritual flexibility can enhance your daily life and perpetuate the Blessing no matter the environment.

Imagine a person full of life, movement and vitality who is suddenly stifled by arthritis or paralyzed in an accident. These circumstances would be quite dejecting to this individual who is now unable to move at will. The same concept is applicable to the aforementioned areas of flexibility. God said in Malachi 3:6, “I AM the Lord, I change not.” This verse identifies the fact that if we are going to walk with God we must be flexible — we must be willing to change. And God is so all-powerful that He causes us to become more flexible the more we conform to His will and ways. We become more like Him. This type of malleability cements us in the fact that acting on the unchanging Word of God brings us into unlimited ability and freedom.

Be blessed friends and have the perfect day everyday!
Psalm 138:8
— Shontta