Temptation
Every Christian faces temptation. Even Jesus was tempted! So how can you resist the urge to give in and stay strong? Think of it this way: Did you ever play with a couple of magnets when you were a child? If you did, you will remember that the closer they got to each other, the harder it was to pull them apart. Temptation is something like that. The more you dwell on it and the closer you let it get to you, the stronger its attraction will be. In fact, if you do not look out, the time may come when it will be almost impossible to pull away from it. Do not let that happen!
The first step you need to take is to flee from whatever is tempting you. Get as far from it as possible. The Apostle Paul told his young friend, Timothy, to “flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace” (2 Timothy 2:22). Do not entertain tempting thoughts. Avoid anything that fills your mind with sinful thoughts and fill it instead with good things by studying God’s Word and praying for His guidance.
Also remember that our thoughts are as important as our actions. In fact, Jesus had strong words for people who were outwardly righteous but inwardly corrupt. One reason is because our actions typically start with our thoughts. The Bible says, “For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander” (Matthew 15:19). Do not entertain tempting thoughts. Avoid anything that fills your mind with sinful thoughts and fill it instead with good things by studying God’s Word and praying for His guidance.
Most of all, you need God’s help to fight this battle. If you have never done so, turn to Christ and ask Him to come into your life. Then ask Him to fill your heart with His love and power, and to crowd out whatever is wrong in your life. God has promised that “when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Ask Him to show you the way out—and then take it. Author Unknown
I do not know how you all are handling temptation, but I have found the above article, spot on. I have learned over the years that the best way to overcome whatever I may be tempted with is to fill my mind with thoughts about God and what He has accomplished on our behalf.
The apostle Paul in his letter to the Romans wrote: “1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:1-2)
Granted, the text in which this passage is found addresses a different issue but the principle of allowing our minds to be “transformed” is very applicable. A mind that is filled with thoughts about our Lord is like a sealed pail of water. Because the pail is filled with water and sealed, there is no possibility of anything else getting in.
Steve