The Bible helps us to overcome temptation (5)

When we give in to temptation, it’s easy to blame other people and our environment. “Women dress too provocatively today…Men are too sexually aggressive…The media is too explicit.” These statements may be true, but they don’t help us to overcome the tempter’s tactics. Humourist Will Rogers is attributed with saying, “Things aren’t what they used to be, and probably never were!” Rose-coloured glasses can be deceptive when it comes to looking back. Satan, our enemy, hasn’t altered his tactics. They still work because human nature hasn’t changed. David learned painfully that Bathsheba’s bath routine didn’t cause his failure. Owning responsibility for his behaviour, he prayed, “I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against…You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight” (Psalm 51:3-4 NKJV). Notice two important lessons David learned: (1) He discovered that forgiveness, restoration, and freedom begin by repenting and taking responsibility for your actions. (2) He also learned that the way to maintain power over your lustful nature lies in frequent time spent in God’s Word, not your own efforts. “How can a young person stay on the path of purity?” God’s answer isn’t mystifying or hard to understand. His universal solution is, “By living according to your word.” David’s new attitude and purity of heart came from practicing this truth: “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11 NIV). And that’s a formula for victory that will work for you too.