Facing Daily Temptations

As Christians, we face many temptations every day. Temptations draw us away from God, and lead us into doing things which are contrary to what is taught in His Word, the Bible. The more we yield to temptation, the more we feel guilty, and soon we avoid reading God’s Word or want to listen to it. Attending church worship becomes a duty; in fact, to some it has become a burden or a dreadful thing.

What must we do to prevent this from taking place in our lives?

It is important to start each day on the right footing, and that is to start the day with our Creator, our Heavenly Father. Before we open the pages of the newspapers, or for that matter, check the messages on our mobile devices, we need to reach out to the Bible and let God speak to us first – before we let the world’s news overwhelm us, and soon, we forget to read God’s Word. I believe in an old saying which says “No Bible, No breakfast!” There must be some reason for Christians in the past to try to instill this in their families. They must have realized that if we do not start the day correctly, we will continue throughout the day busying ourselves with things which have no eternal value.

The words of Jesus recorded in Matthew 6:31-33 provide us with great principles for daily living. Jesus was aware that we wake up every morning to new worries, new concerns, new demands and challenges. We often start the day with anxiety over very mundane things: what to eat or drink? what to wear? Mothers worry about what food to buy and cook for the family. Fathers worry about the day’s appointments in the office; the younger ones are concerned with their assignments, projects, tests and exams. The older ones are anxious to meet deadlines, raising and achieving targets. But these are what the non-believers worry about. As Christians, should we also be worrying about these? We may spend much time looking at the mirror to check if a new pimple has emerged due to late nights, or whether the new dress or shirt makes you look good or not. We may not even have time to eat what is laid on the breakfast table. So is there really time to read God’s Word?

Beloved, to be revived and refreshed in the Lord every day, we really need to spend time with the Lord our God. Jesus reminds us, “Therefore, take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? Or, What shall we drink? or, Wherefore withal shall we be clothed?” (Matt 6:31) He tells us not to worry about these things because “your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.” (vs 32)

Our immediate responsibility as soon as we wake up from sleep is to “seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (vs 33)

Living in this world subjects us to the danger of falling into the traps of modern technology and all the comforts of this modern world. We get so caught up with trying to satisfy our longings to excel in school or at the office so that we will look better in the eyes of others. We are tempted to do all things for our own glory, or for the company’s glory. But, God’s Word reminds us to do all things for the glory of God. 1 Cor 10:31 reminds us: “whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” The Apostle Paul also reminded the Colossian Christians that “whatever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” (Col 3:17)

In facing the daily temptation of doing things for self-glory or for the glory of our superiors, let us be challenged by God’s Word to put Him first – before everything, and everyone else. We are tempted to think that we do not need God because we are capable human beings, intelligent and experienced in the affairs of the world. We have high achievements and people praise us. But in the midst of all these worldly accolades, we drown out God’s Word to put Him first in all that we do and say.

What must we do to prevent this from taking place in our lives?

1. Start the day right. Use the principle of “No Bible, No breakfast!” Put God first before we try to tackle the urgent issues of each day at home, in school or in the office.

2. Do not reach out for your mobile devices or newspapers before reading the Bible.

3. Read a chapter of the Bible every day, and meditate on it day and night.

4. Commit all your thoughts, plans, projects, assignments to God in prayer.

5. Trust God to grant you wisdom and bless all that you have to do.

6. Ask the Holy Spirit to remind you to walk close to God throughout the day.

May God grant us all the desire and strength to seek His face every day.

Pastor Bob Phee

YIELD NOT TO TEMPTATION
Horatio R. Palmer, 1868

1. Yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin;
Each vict’ry will help you some other to win;
Fight manfully onward, dark passions subdue;
Look ever to Jesus, He’ll carry you through.

Refrain:

Ask the Savior to help you,
Comfort, strengthen, and keep you;
He is willing to aid you,
He will carry you through.

2. Shun evil companions, bad language disdain,
God’s name hold in rev’rence, nor take it in vain;
Be thoughtful and earnest, kindhearted and true;
Look ever to Jesus, He’ll carry you through.

3. To him that o’ercometh, God giveth a crown,
Through faith we will conquer, though often cast down;
He who is our Savior, our strength will renew;
Look ever to Jesus, He’ll carry you through.