Temptation's 3 Stages: Where Most Christians Give UpEgzanp

Day 2: The Original Template (It's Always Been the Same 3 Steps)

Ever wonder why Eve's story feels so familiar? It's because she used the exact same 3-stage process you used the last time you overspent.

The Universal Template:

Stage 1: "She SAW" (Desire and Enticement) Eve noticed the fruit. That's it. Just like you notice the sale email, the neighbor's new car, or that thing your friend posted about. The seeing isn't sin - it's the entry point.

Stage 2: "She REASONED" (Conception) Watch what happens next. Eve didn't just grab the fruit impulsively. She built a case:

• "Good for food" (It's practical)
• "Pleasing to the eyes" (It's beautiful)
• "Desirable for gaining wisdom" (It's an investment in myself)

Sound familiar? "I need this for work." "It's actually a great deal." "It'll save me money long-term."

Stage 3: "She TOOK" (Full-Grown Sin) By the time Eve reached for the fruit, she wasn't fighting temptation anymore. She was acting on conviction. Just like when you're entering your credit card number - you're not resisting, you're executing a plan you've already sold yourself on.

The Pattern is Universal: This same process happens with every temptation:

• Relationships: You see → You fantasize → You act
• Food: You smell → You justify → You eat
• Money: You want → You rationalize → You buy
• Time: You scroll → You convince yourself you deserve a break → You waste hours

Here's what changes everything: The battle isn't won when you're already reaching for your wallet. It's won the moment you see the email notification and choose not to open it.

Tomorrow, I'll show you Jesus' strategy for winning at Stage 1 - and the simple technique that stops financial temptation before it starts.

Prayer: Lord, I recognize this pattern now. I see how I've been building cases for things I don't need. Help me catch myself at Stage 1 before I start the reasoning process. Give me the wisdom to see temptation for what it is - not just with money, but in every area of my life.

In Jesus' name, Amen.