READ: Proverbs 4:26
Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.
There’s an old legend about a conversation between God and the Devil. They were talking about a young man who had always been strong and faithful, but had fallen victim to giving in to temptation. Amazed, God asked Satan, “How on earth did you tempt him.” Satan said, “He wandered into my territory, and after that, the rest was easy.” If you are going to win the battle against temptation, don’t wander onto the enemy’s ground. Beware of those places, times, and circumstances. Beware of people who make it easy for you to travel down roads that you don’t want to go. Make a list of things that tempt you the most. Ask these kinds of questions. Where am I the most vulnerable? Am I more vulnerable on certain days at certain times? Am I most vulnerable when I am by myself or late at night when I watch certain things on tv? When I watch certain things with certain people? Where am I the most vulnerable? Is it at work, at home, or watching certain shows on the Internet. Ask the question. How do I feel right before I am tempted? What are the triggers – frustration, boredom, stress, worry, loneliness, tired? Be aware. Find the patterns. Do as the writer of Proverbs said, plan carefully what you do. Avoid putting yourself in those situations, being with those people and things that tempt you the most.”
Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.
There’s an old legend about a conversation between God and the Devil. They were talking about a young man who had always been strong and faithful, but had fallen victim to giving in to temptation. Amazed, God asked Satan, “How on earth did you tempt him.” Satan said, “He wandered into my territory, and after that, the rest was easy.” If you are going to win the battle against temptation, don’t wander onto the enemy’s ground. Beware of those places, times, and circumstances. Beware of people who make it easy for you to travel down roads that you don’t want to go. Make a list of things that tempt you the most. Ask these kinds of questions. Where am I the most vulnerable? Am I more vulnerable on certain days at certain times? Am I most vulnerable when I am by myself or late at night when I watch certain things on tv? When I watch certain things with certain people? Where am I the most vulnerable? Is it at work, at home, or watching certain shows on the Internet. Ask the question. How do I feel right before I am tempted? What are the triggers – frustration, boredom, stress, worry, loneliness, tired? Be aware. Find the patterns. Do as the writer of Proverbs said, plan carefully what you do. Avoid putting yourself in those situations, being with those people and things that tempt you the most.”
– Dr. Tim Thompson