I want to talk you about how to overcome temptation. Temptation is all around us and the minute you think you’re immune to it, that’s when you’re in trouble.
So what’s with the “Let Dead Things Lie” title? Well, here’s something interesting to consider: Many people who are still on the fence about Christianity or following Jesus, seem to think that becoming a Christ-follower is all about rules and restrictions. That God just wants to kill all their fun and turn them into stiff Bible-bashing robots.
This could not be further from the truth. We are all faced with temptation – whether it be to do something unethical for our own personal gain; to go to a place that only will lead to trouble; to get into a relationship with someone who we know will be bad for us. Maybe one of the most common temptations of all is to look at images and videos that we know we shouldn’t.
As I was wondering about this topic, I was thinking how the lure of temptation can be so strong and at times overwhelming. I was thinking, “how can we overcome temptation and not give in to its desires?” Just then, a thought came to me: Why awaken what is already dead? Strange thought, I know. Allow me to explain.
When you become a believer in Jesus, the Bible says that our old way of living dies and we begin a new way of living. You see, temptation is part of our old way of living, our old way of doing things that left us hurt, broken and unfulfilled. So why awaken your dead past? There’s an old saying that says, “let sleeping dogs lie”. Well my advice to us all is to let dead things lie.
So how do you overcome temptation?
- Recognise your triggers: Know what will awaken the desire in you to do what you know you shouldn’t. Switch off that soppy love song if it makes you want to pick up the phone and call your ex. Maybe it’s a questionable series that lures you to look at things you know are wrong. Avoid things, places or people who will trigger that desire to do what you know is not good for you.
- Turn your attention to what matters: If you find yourself tempted, distract yourself with something uplifting. If you are reaching for that bar of chocolate, get up and go for a walk. If you’re tempted to look at dodgy things online, put on some worship music or pick up your Bible. Phone a friend if you have to and, as a last resort, wash the dishes, ha ha! That is sure to perish any thought you had to stray on a dangerous path.
The bottom line is that when we put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ, our old way of living and thinking dies and we can live a new life, free from the power of temptation.
If you would like to know more about this freedom for yourself, click on the link below or on the pop up banner. You’ll be glad you did!