Of course sinning is fun, if it were not, the Devil would not be able to tempt us.
Throughout the Books of the Bible there are many guidelines that we as servants of the Lord must follow. It is often tempting to step outside of those boundaries, but I warn you, we must not. We all have... that is a given, some more than others. I have done quite a few sinful things in my past that I was unsure that I could be forgiven for, yet, here I am sitting in my chair purely as I am writing this because Jesus has forgiven me for my sins, and died for me; he died for all of us.
I cannot be the only one that believes that the phrase, "the devil made me do it," is getting quite old. That is honestly just an excuse that many people use to justify falling into temptation or losing control of themselves and their spirituality. The devil can only tempt us, he cannot force us to do anything. He, however, can make the temptation so strong that it seems nearly impossible to resist. You just need to pray to God, and ask Him to continue to walk ahead of you, creating the proper path to follow. It is true that the enemy is searching the Earth looking for innocent and vulnerable people to destroy. What is also true, is that Christ is here also, in spirit, until His next return. Christ is living within each of us. The power of a born again child of Christ, has the power of God living inside of them.
Like I said, temptation is not uncommon. In fact, every person gets tempted. "But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed." James 1:14 (NIV) When tempted, we need to pray. Praying is our time when we connect with God. It is like a safe haven when I, personally, feel that no harm can come to me. It strengthens me, and helps me to resist temptation. You are never too busy for God. In fact, we are servants of God and everything we are doing, we shall do for Him. We obey the ten commandments, we are kind to our neighbours, and we serve. While I am on the terms of being kind to others, it is important that even when we are not being tempted, to help those surrounding us get through temptation. Like it states in Hebrews 2:18 (NIV) "Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who was being tempted." If we have suffered in the past, we must try to help others to avoid making the same mistakes we have made. We would like them to do the same for ourselves, not? Just as we would like to have others to help us, we need to help them. It is about being selfless and spreading love to others. God's children shall not hate. Hatred is an emotion that is not allowed once we pass through the gates of heaven.
James 4:7 (NIV) states to "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." With God, the devil does not stand a chance against you; he will flee from you. With God you are stronger than you are by yourself and you are stronger than the devil. With God at your side, nothing can defeat you, or bring you down. God will lift you high. When the day comes when we pass on we will realize that the bodies we are in now are ruled by sin. Hence why, as our bodies lie underground, our spirits lift us up to God, and we are no longer slaves to sin, "because anyone who has died has been set free from sin." Romans 6:7 (NIV) The death that Jesus Christ died, he died to sin, and because he has already died, he cannot die again, therefore death no longer has mastery over him. He has overcame it when he raised from the dead. The life Jesus lives now, he lives to God. In that same we, when we die, we can count ourselves as dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Do not let sin reign over your body, it is only mortal, where as if we accept an eternal life with the Lord our Saviour, we are not. As it also states in the Book of Romans, within chapter six, do not offer any part to sin as an instrument of wickedness. A good example of this is fornication. Sex, although in today's society it seems otherwise, is sacred. It is only meant for within the covenant of marriage. It is honestly a beautiful thing, however, it is only meant to be shared with one other person, not dozens. Instead of offering yourself as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourself to God as those who have brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to Him as an instrument of righteousness. "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." Ephesians 6:11 (NIV)
Summary -
Do not feel as if you are a failure or weak if you are being tempted. Everyone gets tempted. Resisting the temptation before you actually do the sin is the key. Doing so, you cannot be alone. The power that you have when you walk with Jesus, and submit yourself to God, you are stronger than the devil, and he will run from you. Seek others for guidance to withstand temptation, and also do the same for others. We are stronger when we are not alone. Like it repeatedly states in the Book of Proverbs, the wise seek counsel. Temptation is not easy to overcome, but with the help of others who have went through similar temptations, you can overcome it.
On that note I will leave you with this Bible verse: 1 Peter 5:8-9 (NIV)
"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings."
Be strong, loves. If you need help resisting temptation or just need someone to talk to I am here. XO
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