Ask PJ

QUESTION: How Can I Avoid Temptation?

That question plagues each of us every single day. The Lord's Prayer comes to mind where Jesus says, "Lead me not into temptation" (Matt. 6:13). The simple everyday answer to this question is to follow Jesus and allow Him to lead our lives.

In his book, Tales of the Tardy Oxcart, Chuck Swindoll tells a story about a man who visited his attorney friend at the Federal Reserve Bank. He noticed lots of people counting stacks of paper money and asked his friend if any of the workers were ever tempted to steal some of the money. The attorney answered, "They're fine as long as they think they're only counting slips of paper. Once they realize they're handling $100 bills, then we start having problems!"

When we think that we can hang around sin and be OK, that's when we get into trouble. However, the Bible gives us this promise in 1 Corinthians 10:13: "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide you a way of escape, so you can stand up under it."

Staying close and connected to Jesus is the best way to avoid falling into temptation. May God reach out and be close to you on your journey. As always, I'm praying for you. And remember, Keep looking uP!

Featured in: September 2008

Section

You may also like