Temptation/What the Bible Says

HOW THE BIBLE CAN HELP

Just as our mind  can feed improper desires, it can also stuff them out. How?  By our focusing on something else-an activity, a conversation with a friend, or a wholesome thought. (Philippians 4:8)  It is also helpful to reflect on the consequences of giving in to a temptations, which may include emotional, physical, or spiritual harm.  (Deuteronomy 32:29)  Prayer too can be a big help, Jesus Christ said:  "Pray continually, so that you may not enter into temptation." -Matthew 26:41.

"Do not be misled: God is not one to be mocked. For whatever a person is sowing, this he will also reap." -Galatians 6:7. 

How can you fortify yourself against temptation? 

THE REALITY

See temptation for what it really is-a lure, or bait, that can lead to a foolish, naive, or unwary person into danger. (James 1:14)  That is especially true of temptations involving sexual immorality, which can have disastrous consequences. - Proverbs 7:22, 23.

HOW THE BIBLE CAN HELP

"If, now, your right eye is making you stumble," said Jesus Christ,m "tear it out and throw it away from you." (Matthew 5:29)  Of course, Jesus was not speaking literally!  Rather, he meant that if you want to please God and gain everlasting life, we must deaden our body members, as it were, in regard to wrongdoing.   (Colossians 3:5) That may mean resolutely turning our back on a temptation.  "Turn my eyes away from looking at what is worthless, "prayed  a faithful man of God. -Psalm 119:37. 

Of course, exercising self-control can be difficult. After all, "the spirit is willing, the flesh is weak." (Matthew 26:41)  (Note: they really should put the whole verse in.)  So we will make mistakes. However, when we are truly sorry and try hard not to  make a habit of doing wrong, our Creator, Jehovah God, "is merciful and compassionate" toward us.  (Psalm 103:8) How reassuring that is!

"If errors were what you watch, O Jah, then who, O Jehovah, could stand?"

Next time: Can the Bible Help Me to Have a Happy Family?/The Bible's answer

From the jw.org publications