Two Temptation Scenarios
Theme of the Week: The Sensuality Snare
Fred Stoeker
Saturday, March 27, 2004
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Q. I'm staying overnight at a hotel on a business trip. What's scenario one?
A. I walk down the hallway to the ice machine. On top of the machine is a Playboy magazine. Believing I have a right to choose my behavior, I ask myself, "Should I look at this Playboy or not?"
The moment I ask that question, I began talking pros and cons to myself. Far worse, I open myself to Satan's counsel. He wants to be heard on this issue. He cajoles and lies, keeping my mind focused on the conversation so I don't even notice my body slipping down the slope of lust. By the time he finishes, the only answer I want to hear is "Yes, you should look at it."
Okay, what's scenario two?
You're walking to fill your ice bucket and spy the Playboy magazine. But your mind has been going over the "shield verses" you've selected: "Run away from sexual sin! … You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price" (1 Corinthians 6:18–20).
What's your internal response now? I've no right to even consider looking at it. I haven't the authority. A shield such as this will help you think rightly about the real issues involved in your fight for purity.
Satan's temptation power lies in your supposed right to make decisions about your behavior. If you don't believe you have that right, no tempting power can touch you. That conviction leaves no room for pros and cons to drift deceitfully about your brain. And no conversation with Satan—in which he could try to get you to change your mind—even occurs.
Fred Stoeker is co-author of Every Man's Battle.
Adapted from Every Man's Battle (WaterBrook, 2000) by permission.
Copyright © 2004 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.
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Lord, you created me with sexual impulses. To avoid abusing them, I desperately need to submit to Your power.
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