Overcoming TemptationSample

TURN ON THE LIGHT

Turning on the light seems simple, but it is actually really powerful. I am not talking about the room light, but rather exposing Satan’s temptation and refusing to deal with it in secret. Normally, in darkness or in secrecy, sin and shame grow.

The shame tries to isolate us further, allowing the sin to grow. The Bible warns that the Devil prowls like a lion looking for someone to devour. Lions hunt by isolating their prey from the rest of the herd. If we are struggling, one of the best things we can do is let in the light. If there is an inappropriate relationship that is tempting you, tell a Godly friend who will call you out and remind you of the vows you have made. If you are struggling with alcohol, tell someone. It doesn’t matter if you are struggling with lust, lying, gossip, weight loss, or any area of struggle; we do better together. This is seen in our major life and ethical choices, and it's also seen in simple things like our fitness journey. When people set out with a friend to hit fitness goals, they are far more likely to hit them and stick with them than on their own.

Jesus warns us that it’s those choosing to live in sin who want to avoid the light. Proverbs says that those who isolate themselves rage against all sound judgment, and James tells us to confess our sins one to another that we may be healed. While Solomon shared that two are better than one because if one falls, the other can pick them up. (John 3:19-21; Proverbs 18:1; James 5:16; Ecclesiastes 4:9) When Jesus sent out His disciples, he sent them out in pairs. (Mark 6:7) Let’s not let Satan isolate us. Expose the weakness to the light and to the support. We can remove a lot of the temptation by exposing it to the light.

Satan’s strategy is to isolate us. If he can separate us, we lose support, accountability, and encouragement. In the darkness, sin has its greatest strength. Are there areas of our lives that we don’t want to be brought to the light? Are there things we have let grow because we think they are a secret? Let's turn on the light and remove the deeds of darkness from our lives.