via TJC
“Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” 1Cor 10:12-13
When I think of Satan and his uncanny ability to draw us away from our goals as Kingdom Men (aka temptation), I think of the demon Screwtape. He was the mentor/uncle of a novice demon who was taking on his first “patient” in the C.S. Lewis’ novel, “The Screwtape Letters “.
In Screwtape’s instructions we see the brilliance and structure of the enemy’s plan. No porn, no substance abuse, no outright theft or deception… at least not at the outset. Those elements would set off alarms and draw attention. That is not at all how the deceiver has destroyed countless lives through the ages.
His most effective “technique” is summarized in one of Screwtape’s first letters to his nephew: “Indeed the safest road to Hell (or spiritual ruin) is the gradual one… the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts… Your affectionate uncle, Screwtape.”
This is especially true for Kingdom Men. But hey, we're battle-hardened, wary, wise… right? If you believe that, re-read the above scripture…
Daily Battle Order:
Paul’s words still hold true to this day. God is still faithful to deliver us from any temptation. Our part? Submit prayerfully to his perfect will, repent, and change direction away from that temptation. How? Avoid complacency and the comfort of giving in.
Lock shields with your brothers Kingdom Men!
When I think back times I gave into pornography, there is always a moment the Holy Spirit provided that way out, whether it was a "coincidental" text message from a Brother in Christ, a sudden thought coming to mind, or even a smoke detector going off! It is up to us whether we choose those ways out!
Lucifer led all the worship in heaven; and a 1/3 of the angels fell with him. What he did was obviously attractive then and most of us sin because we are attracted to and enjoy that sin. That other woman, that was extra beer, that easy way at work, that new costly car, that easy excuse (lie) are attractive. We are to think through what is the truly attractive elements God designed for us