Resisting temptation in modern life
Proverbs 6: 32-33 “But a man who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself. Blows and disgrace are his lot, and his shame will never be wiped away.” NIV Bible
Extra Reading: Proverbs 6:20-34
We have read in newspapers and watched on our television screens the fall from grace of great men and women who served God faithfully for many years. Our faces expressed deep disappointment when we hear and see such things happening. This happens because we live in days of unclear definitions and bold rationalizations about good moral life. From the Scripture we have just read, King Solomon is not beating about the bush relating to this moral dilemma. He is very frank about this temptation because he was once trapped in it. His warnings about temptation are just as relevant and timeous for today. A great Bible teacher once said that “the ways to resist temptation are obvious, but there is always the opportunity to fall. Why? Because the snares are too many to trip us up. They come from areas of fortune, fame, power, or pleasure. Let me say that the opportunities to resist lust present a constant pressure on our souls. Many people choose to give in, but choose to resist temptation. Those who become victorious over this temptation of adultery are able to protect their spiritual vitality.
The funny thing with a temptation like this is that it will never stand on a mountain top, shout and warn its victims. As a father, Solomon wanted to leave trustworthy counsel for his son to read and heed. He wrote this warning with full knowledge that his father, David, had suffered the consequence of yielding to lustful temptations many years earlier. You will recall that David’s adultery happened before Solomon was born, but he was aware of the consequences that followed David’s compromise. God’s Word must be our standard. Well, most people rely on media, books, and other people’s opinions, especially their close friends. God’s Word will provide us with unfailing direction. Most people fall into temptation because of ill-discipline. One young man once approached me after a church service and asked me this question: “Pastor, how do we triumph over this kind of temptation?” My response was as follows:
-stay away from the evil tempter.
-guard against the “smooth tongue” that invites you to bed in a hidden room.
-refuse to entertain secret desires of the opposite sex’s beauty.
-don’t let those alluring eyes captivate you.
My prayer is that I gave the young man the correct advice that helped him escape the snare of adultery. God is able to protect you against loss of testimony, loss of character, loss of family and loss of joy and peace due to indulgence in adultery. Remember that wounds and disgrace will never be fully erased once you yield to adultery. Beware of gross consequences that may follow.
Prayer: Father God, help me to run away from adultery. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen!
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