1 Corinthians 10:12
12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
Choices. We face them each and every day – but praise God that we do not have to face them alone!
In this devotional, Joyce Meyer reminds us that when we think too highly of ourselves, we may very well set ourselves up for disaster. When we rely on ourselves, it leaves an opening for the evil one to tempt us. When temptations strike… stop and think before you act. If you are tempted to do something sinful, resist that temptation by thinking of what God would rather you do instead.
This reminded me of my teacher training. When working with small children, they are often tempted to take toys that other children are using. In these instances, we were taught to take away the “temptation” or toy that was in dispute and provide the children with other options to play with instead. That way, hopefully, they will learn to avoid the temptation to argue and play with something else instead. Sometimes this works and sometimes it doesn’t, depending on the child.
However, it gives us a different way to consider and make decisions when we are tempted. If I am tempted to buy a new cell phone when there are bills to be paid and I don’t really need a new cell phone, then that is a temptation to spend money in an unwise manner. What will happen if I buy the new phone? Probably a disagreement between my husband and myself – similarly to the two small children who have differing opinions over whose turn it is to play on the tricycle. Choosing to follow through on this temptation would lead to arguments and strife and worse… unpaid or late bills. That one little choice has lots of consequences.
Alternatively, CHOOSING the alternative – keeping the cell phone I have and allowing the money to pay the bills like it should – will have different consequences. Bills paid on time and no argument with my honey. When I think it through, it seems like a no-brainer. But, sometimes when we are tempted, it is very difficult to stop and think on our own. Those are the times we need to stop, think, then PRAY – with God’s help, we can make better decisions when faced with temptations.
So, the next time you are tempted… STOP, THINK, and PRAY… and let God’s direction guide your day!
Be blessed today and always!
Alicia
Click here to read Day 329 of Joyce Meyer’s Promises for Your Everyday Life at YouVersion.com.