Temptation
06 Jul 2011 Leave a Comment
in bible talk
Interesting excerpt from ” God, I’ve got a problem” by Ben Ferguson (1987) ( a book that Uncle Chris sold me just now)–
*A salesman in Longview, Texas, hunted in vain for a parking space and in desperation left his car in a no-parking zone with this note on the windshield: “I”ve circled this block 10 times and I have an appointment to keep or lose my job. Forgive us our trespasses.” A police officer who read the note left this reply: “I’ve circled this block for 20 years. If I don’t give you a ticket, I’ll lose my job. Lead us not into temptation.” The police officer found, as we do, it’s not necessary to go out in search of temptation. It finds us all too easily and quickly. Our problem is not how to get into temptation, but rather how to defeat temptation when it comes.*
haha. How true. *Temptations strike 3 basic areas of life- physical, psychological and religious*
The conclusion of that chapter was:
*You can defeat temptation if you will: 1. Recognize it for what it is– an attempt to get you to rebel against God; 2. Realize that God has given you the power to resist temptation; 3. Use the Word of God as your defense each time Satan comes and suggests a new rebellion.*
What Uncle Chris shared just now with us (me and Carol) was totally refreshing and vivifying to our spirits. The impact message was that the saddest thing that could happen would be that people are serving God doing this and that, but God actually has rejected their service because they are serving Him for the wrong reasons. How sad that is. Walking right with God is what matters most. Seriously, I’ve come to think that I don’t care what kind of post I held or what kind of career path is offered to me, I don’t want to hold it too tightly, because I know that I should walk right with God even if I have to sacrifice those in days of trouble in terms of owning up to mistakes and stuff. Those things are just extras in life, for one’s aspirations as well as for feeding a family. If one loses it, there are always other avenues. But this faith that comes from the precious blood of Christ has to be cherished above all. So even if I face difficulties at work or other bad stuff, I should be reminded of what’s most important. What is a title and what is a post? Is it big a deal to exalt oneself above others when one gets a higher post? All these are nothing when brought before God who reigns above all.
2nd half of the year steps in insidiously… Pray that I can walk before God right daily and for my family and friends’ salvation, as well as the salvation of the people I meet daily….
The warfare (spiritual) is real.
I noticed that.
****
Point to ponder– Would you rather be a step-over or be a stepper over others? Would u rather be a bully or be bullied by others?
Obviously, it is better to be mistreated than to mistreat others.
The knowledge of psychology is not to be used in manipulating others, but to be used in healing them.
Simple faith like this seems so simple in such a complicated world.
Keep praying…
SocialVibe