You Can Overcome Temptation: 1. The Divine Perspective
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Going straight to the Cross
Divided between right and wrong? Look this way for
the right exit.
You Can Overcome Temptation
Part 1: The Divine Perspective
by Randal Matheny
How many times have you seen the cartoons of a man
with two strange little creatures sitting on his
shoulders? On his (right, I assume) shoulder, a
little angel whispers in his hear, encouraging him
to do what's right. On his other shoulder, a
little devil, complete with horns and tail,
entices him to do wrong.
That little scene sticks with us, because the tug-
and-pull of temptation, besides occupying plenty
of space in Scripture, represents a basic element
in the life of those who strive to serve God.
An important passage in this struggle is 1
Corinthians 10:11-14.
Now these things happened to them as an
example, and they were written for our
instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages
have come. Therefore let him who thinks he
stands take heed that he does not fall. No
temptation has overtaken you but such as is
common to man; and God is faithful, who will
not allow you to be tempted beyond what you
are able, but with the temptation will
provide the way of escape also, so that you
will be able to endure it. Therefore, my
beloved, flee from idolatry. (NASU)
When temptation whispers in our ear, we tend to
concentrate on the action of Satan to draw us
away. But this passage teaches us to see the
divine.
THE DIVINE PERSPECTIVE
When we feel the intensity of temptation or the
sorrow of suffering, we often tell ourselves,
"Nobody has been through what I'm undergoing.
Nobody knows how I feel. I'm the only one who has
such a rough time."
Perhaps that's because we cannot delve into the
hearts and minds of others. But God can. Here's
his conclusion:
"No temptation has overtaken you but such as is
common to man."
Unlike us, God knows every heart and reads every
mind. He knows that the pressure of temptation we
feel is common to all. Literally, all temptation
is "human," within the human experience and,
consequently, within the human capacity to endure.
As a side note, if anyone felt a greater intensity
of temptation, it would have been Jesus, who never
gave in. And because he never surrendered, he
would have felt the full force of Satan's efforts.
Those of us who do not resist all temptation to
the end have never felt its fiercest fury.
Another side note: Like Adam and Eve before us, we
tend to blame the devil for the temptation. But
the Lord says to look to our own inner workings,
for temptation is human, that is, it arises from
our desires and passions. Or, as James puts it,
"each one is tempted when he is carried away and
enticed by his own lust" (Jas. 1:14).
So the first step in overcoming temptation is to
see the divine perspective: Temptation is common
to us all. And that means, no pity party for me.
Next up: The Divine Character