.

If we desired so we could debate if in the scriptures it says anywhere not to drink or just not to over do it, lets don’t. This is one of those issues where there is a wide range of believes and emotions among good hearted and strong Christians. My purpose is not to dwell on that today; my purpose is to speak on temptation.

As I examined the scriptures from different angles my decision was to not drink anymore at all. It is my personal decision and I have stuck to for the duration.

Here is something else you need to know if you don’t live in Texas. Our cities are divided up into wet and dry areas. Now this does not mean that one part gets water and the other doesn’t. Quite simply it means that some areas can sell liquor and some can not. Thus some are wet and some are not.

The city I have lived in for the past 21 years just recently took a vote as to decide if they would be wet or stay dry as they had always been in the past. An overwhelming amount of the people voted to go wet and so we are. Everywhere you go now in every store is beer and wine. It is very strange for those of us who are not used to it.

Recently I had to spend a tad bit more time at the grocery store than usual. Being an amateur at shopping I had to go down every isle to find what I wanted. This would lead my down the isles totally dedicated to the selling of alcohol. Now for those of you who have never drank this may seem like no big deal. But to those of us who have and decided to quit it is a very big deal.

With each trip down the isle I was reminded of how much I enjoyed it. I was reminded of how it would feel to knock a few down. I could almost taste it. Think about that for a second. It has been well over twenty years and still the temptation is there, still the memory is there and it is strong.

This got me to thinking, if the temptation was that strong for me imagine what it must be like for someone who had stopped drinking after drinking for many years. Or imagine what it must be like for the person addicted to pornography to fight off temptation as he looks at all the billboards, magazines and internet sites. What about the person trying to get passed the urge to smoke cigarettes, how difficult must that be to fight off the desire for nicotine?

Then what about other things that fall under the heading of temptation and addiction. What about the man or woman who has fallen under the trap of cheating on their spouse. I have often heard of the adrenaline rush given when being in an inappropriate relationship. I have heard it spoken by those who have been there like it was an addition. What about stealing, I have heard the same about that from those caught in a web of shoplifting.

I believe the list could go on and on about sinful behaviors that once experienced lead us down a long road of temptation and the battle to resist. What is a person to do, throw his hands up and give in? No not at all, the Lord gives us direction and so let’s do our best to follow it.

1. Never start. If it is something the Lord does not want you to be a part of then never give whatever it is a chance to take control of you. Satan is great at making evil look good, don’t listen to him and you want regret it. James 4:7
2. Once you’re in, find someone who loves you and the Lord enough to help you out. Most temptation can not be dealt with alone; you need the Lord and at least one very good friend. The Lord will provide a way out. 1 Corinthians 10:13
3. When you’re out, stay out. Never give temptation an open door. It may be twenty years down the road, don’t take temptation lightly and give it a second chance. Run; do not walk away from the demons in your life.

2 Timothy 2:22

When temptation comes knocking at your door, it is always best to not answer.

Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to hold strong to our faith and to the power you give us to avoid falling into temptation. You are a good God and we ask these things in the Name of Christ, Amen.