Temptation

None of us can really understand today's topic. It's the kind of thing that bothers other folks, but not us.

They say that sarcasm is the worst kind of humor. Sorry!

Your temptations and mine are not all the same. They may be in similar categories, but they have our personal mark on them. It is our tendency to cut ourselves a good deal of slack, and to find our own failings quite understandable, and even forgivable. But the temptations before which you fall are "worse." "How could he/she do such a thing? All of us know better than that?"

As Jay talks to us this morning let's have the wisdom and grace to look straight into our own hearts and avoid the "temptation" to be wondering just what issues our neighbors are wrestling with. All of us will have enough space for growing ourselves.

It comes as some comfort to hear what the writer of the book of Hebrews has to say. "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses; but we have one who has been tempted in every way just as we are — yet without sin (4:15)." And "because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted (2:18)." Jesus understands the things we face. And he is ready, willing, and able to help us avoid "taking the bait."

In addition to the Divine help we have human help, family help. The Alcoholics Anonymous organization has been aware of this, and has used it very, very well for several years now. Those who have been pressured by the same temptations help each other handle them. Family! Understanding friends! And in more recent years other twelve-step programs have gathered people together to "fight the good fight" against destructive lures.

The Lordship of Christ, the comfort of the Holy Spirit, the family fellowship of believers! Temptation doesn't have to win.