Temptation always comes as a thought. At that point, we have an important choice. Will we entertain the thought, even enjoy that thought, or reject it? All of us have a choice about the focus of our thoughts. Sooner or later, we become what we think. "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he" (Proverbs 23:7).
The pull of temptation is subtle, appealing, and seductive. No one is exempt from temptation, and that includes you. It is the common lot of all mankind to be tempted. If we ever think that we live above temptation, then we are vulnerable prey. Understand your weakness. Identify the point where you are most vulnerable.
When temptation comes, remember the appeal is always to our selfish nature. Temptation finds an easy victim when we are self-centered. Selfishness never considers others. The power of all temptation is to focus on ourselves. It's about thoughts, desires, and emotions to bring self-satisfaction.
Temptation's power can be broken. However, it will not be broken by personal resolutions or even will power. We must look beyond ourselves to break temptation's power. Look to God as your hope and help. Call upon Him in prayer. He can break the power of every temptation. Jesus taught us to pray to God our Father: "And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one" (Matthew 6:13).
