Temptation and sin are like waves in the ocean. The waves crash against us, some are small and some very large. But, like the waves crashing against the shore, we choose which temptations we ride.
“So they are without excuse; for though they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their senseless minds were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools; and they exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling a mortal human being or birds or four-footed animals or reptiles.” Romans 1:30-23
Temptation, by its very nature, feels wrong. God’s moral law is written in the heart of every human being and when a sinful temptation is introduced, our consciences immediately sense danger. However, the temptation itself is not the sin. Jesus was tempted (Mark 1:13; Luke 4:1-13), but He never sinned (Hebrews 4:15). Sin occurs when we mishandle temptation.
“He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan” Mark 1:13
Temptation is not of itself sinful. It becomes sin when we allow the temptation to become action, even in our minds. When we yield to temptation, we replace the fruit of the Spirit with the fruit of the flesh (Ephesians 5:9; Galatians 5:19-23). And, many times, what was first entertained as a thought becomes action (see James 1:15).
The best defense against giving in to temptation is to flee at the first suggestion. When that first waves builds, before it even touches the shore, turn away.
How do you stand when faced with temptation’s crashing wave? How do you overcome temptation before it turns sin? Start by understanding the temptation and then don’t be deceived by its sound or how good it looks. Turn away, look to Christ. That tsunami wave of temptation becomes a little ripple and passes to calmness.
“But one is tempted by one’s own desire, being lured and enticed by it; then, when that desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and that sin, when it is fully grown, gives birth to death. Do not be deceived, my beloved.” James 1:14-16