As you contend with an improper desire that is proving to be a crafty opponent, remember that you are not alone. The Bible says: "No temptation has come upon you except what is common to men. (1 Corinthians 10:13a) Another translation renders the passage this way. "No temptation has overtaken you that is unusual for human beings." That statement was directed to male and female Christians living Corinth. Some had formerly been adulterers, homosexuals, and drunkards. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)Did you think that after their baptism they never had any improper desires to content with? That could not be the case. They were all anointed Christians, true, but they were still imperfect humans. No doubt they had to struggle with improper desires from time to time. That should be encouraging to us. Why? Because it shows that whatever improper desire you are battling, some one else had resisted it. Indeed, you can remain "firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by the entire association of your brothers." - 1 PETER 5:(.
Avoid the pitfall of thinking that no one can understand the particular challenge that yo are facing. Thinking that way could lead yo to conclude that your situation is hopeless and that you are powerless to resist improper desires. The Bible says otherwise. It states: "God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but along with the temptation he will also make the way out so that you may be able to endure it." (1 Corinthians10:13b) Therefore, even when an improper desire is strong, we can successfully endure it. With Jehovah's help, we can keep from acting on it.
Always remember this: As an imperfect human, you may not be able to keep improper desires from surfacing, but when they do, you can reject them decisively, as Joseph did when he quickly ran away from Potiphar's wife. (Genesis 39:12) You do not need to act on improper desires!
Next time: "Be Transformed by Making Your Mind Over" - AN ONGOIGN EFFORT
From the jw.org publications
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