Hey friend, late last year the topic of temptation was very heavy on my mind. Let’s chat a bit.

What do you think about having a battle plan for temptations? Do you have or have ever had one? The idea of a battle plan for temptation is something I came across a few years ago while reading a book by GirlDefined, a Ministry that has and continues to bless me as it does many other young Christian women. However, it wasn’t until sometimes last year when I fully realized the importance of having a battle plan in place if I wanted to succeed in not giving into any form of temptation, regardless of how small or big.

Temptation can be defined in so many ways; however, the Cambridge Dictionary defines it nicely and with such simplicity. According to the University of Cambridge Dictionary, temptation is the desire or “wish to do or have something you know you shouldn’t do or have”. A few examples of temptation that plagues most people include: over eating, binge watching movies/TV shows/tiktok/reels, laziness (not wanting to do anything), over spending or buying things you know you don’t necessarily need but want anyways because everyone else has it, gossiping (this can also include venting on social media, gossiping about someone in your heart/mind or to another person), abusing alcohol, giving into sexual cravings (in the heart, mind, etc.), consuming illicit drugs, easily give up (quit) when things get hard/complicated/or not going your way, work overtime and neglect other priorities, taking matters into your hands because a particular situation is not changing etc. There are so many examples of what we’re tempted with or to do.

Temptation can come to us from various sources such as 1) the sinful (wrongful) inclination of our hearts/minds, 2) the sinful inclination of the hearts/minds of those around us, and 3) from the enemy of our soul (the devil and his demonic spirits) who works tirelessly to lead us to sin against a good and loving God. Here are some Biblical examples showcasing the lives of real people who experienced temptation(s) from these sources. In the very first book of the Bible (Genesis 2&3), we are informed of how the devil openly lured a couple (Adam and Eve) into disobeying God their Creator. In the book of Job, we are informed about a certain man who through a series of hardships including death of family members, was tempted by the devil to renounce God and simply give up in despair on life. Genesis 39 (verses 1-10) shows how the lustful desires in the heart of a certain government official’s wife caused her to temp a palace worker (Joseph) into sexual misconduct (as it would be sin against God and his boss (the government official named Potiphar)). In the New Testament (Acts 5:1-11), the Bible tells the storey of a couple (Ananias and Sapphira), who were led by their greed to lie about a particular matter. In James (1:13-14) the Bible confirms that our temptation reflects the sinful nature of our heart; and in John 10:10 it says that the devil’s purpose regarding us humans is to steal, kill and destroy.

Essentially, the temptation we face reveals the wickedness found in the human heart (ours and others around us) as well as the evil/wicked schemes of the devil. Honestly when I think about what I’ve been tempted with personally over the years, it truly reveals that we are not all that and how much we all need God’s saving grace through His Son Jesus Christ. Our culture pressures us into positive self-talk but when we really look deep within us and honestly come face-toface with the inclinations of our heart, it’s scary, because it shows how far from the standards of a Holy God we as humans truly are. As the apostle Paul himself recognized in Romans 7:24-25 “Oh what a wretched man I am, who will deliver me from this bondage”. So as much as temptation does a good job in revealing our sinfulness and need for God, it is hurtful on so many levels when we give into it. So how do we not yield to it as a response? This is where I think having a prepared battle plan comes in handy. For me personally, the below tips have been instrumental in helping me succeed in overcoming any temptation, regardless of its nature and/or source:

1. Look up to The Lord Jesus Christ and place your complete reliance on Him, as He is the Only One able to strengthen and enable anyone to desire to do what pleases and honors a Holy/Righteous and Loving God.
2. Familiarize yourself with how/where/when you get tempted, so as to respond long before the temptation comes in full force.
3. When you sense temptation coming:
   1. Occupy yourself with: 1) prayer (talking to The Lord Jesus Christ), 2) sing songs of praises and adoration to Him, and 3) read God’s Word (The Bible) to saturate your mind/heart on positive things that have substance instead of societal/worldly advice filled with fluff;
   2. Remove yourself from the temptation by simply 1) saying no to the thoughts/feelings/desires luring you to succumb to the temptation; and/or 2) leaving that environment causing you to fall prey to the temptation.
   3. Occupy yourself with other activities e.g. if your temptation is binge watching movies or TV shows, perhaps pick up a book to read, if you are into cooking get cooking, write if you are into writing etc.

There are many other things we can practically do to prepare ourselves to battle temptation with success. But the above are what have and continue to work for me.

There have been many moments when I sadly gave into temptations; however, I thank God for His mercy and grace that tugged at my heart to not stay down. Because one thing I found is that, once you’re tempted and give into it, as a Christian thankfully your conscience is still awake and the Holy Spirit of God still at work to make you feel uncomfortable about your action(s). However, the enemy of your soul wants you to stay down forever, and so he will do everything possible to keep you down so you never get up. But the good news is that The Lord Jesus Christ is merciful and because He does not wish that anyone perishes, He still extends a helping hand to us so we can still get up from that place of yielding to temptation and get back onto His path of life and victory. I’m reminded of the first temptation humanity faced that brought sin and death into the world. When Adam and Eve gave into the temptation to disobey God, afterwards, God, Who is all knowing, still came to look for them. I’m also reminded of the story of a woman who was caught in the act of adultery and ridiculed by everyone, but only The Lord Jesus Christ had mercy and came to extend forgiveness to her and commanded her to not give into that temptation again.

One lesson I learned and continue to do so is that we have to ultimately desire and decide in our hearts to please God. This reminds me of a young man named Daniel, whom the Bible says purposed in his heart to not defile himself. Since he was decided to do what was pleasing in God’s sight, when temptation came to eat food that were potentially sacrificed to idols, he was very firm on his convictions, refused to give into the temptation and instead utilized alternative God honouring solutions. God honoured that and helped him along the way. Honestly, how would you like to come at the end of a season of temptation and just breath a relief that by God’s grace you did not give into it? This is something that I personally do not want to trade for anything else. So, friend when tempted, what’s your battle plan for success? If you currently don’t have any, it’s never too late to start J You can begin by looking up to The Lord Jesus Christ and The Bible for strength and guidance as well as try out any of the above tips. Let’s chat further!