I joke around with people all the time. One of my favorite sayings is, “I can resist anything but temptation”. The truth is it’s easier to stay away from temptation than to resist it. I was reading in Matthew this morning about the temptation of Jesus. I realized we can’t always stay away from temptation. Some we can. I don’t hang out at the crack house because that’s something I have a problem with. Others could probably be in that situation without a problem but then there are places I can go that aren’t a temptation to me but would be for others.

But what about the temptation to worry? What about the temptation to get angry? What about the temptation to fear? What about the temptation to resent? We are constantly presented with opportunities to make bad choices.

These are all temptations that we can’t stay away from. We can however resist them. How? Jesus tells us how in Matthew 4: 1-11. We can resist temptation by believing the word of God!

Recently, during this emotionally charged political atmosphere I’ve been tempted to weigh in but if I do those that agree with me will puff up with pride and those that don’t will get angry and resentful. To what end would I weigh in….. for my own personal satisfaction!

My instruction manual tells me to die to myself daily. My instruction manual tells me not to be a stumbling block for others. My instruction manual tells me not to worry about anything but in everything give thanks. My instruction manual tells me I haven’t been given the spirit of fear. I’ve learned that following the instructions always, always, always works.

Jesus says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” John 16:33

We will be faced with temptation but there’s always a way out.

Today, I’m not going to get angry, afraid, or worry every time I have the opportunity. I’m gonna refer to the instructions!