Temptations come at us all the time in various forms—whether we're alone or with someone else or with a whole group of people. We're never really out of the woods in that sense. While it's not a sin to be tempted, it's important to exercise self-control over our words and actions. Only God knows the best things for us to say, see, do, etc. Yet we still find ourselves faced with having to make a decision in the moment, don't we?
Having a plan of action can help when you're standing at the crossroads of "do it" or "turn away." If you know that you're likely to get tempted by a certain thing, then it's always best to avoid it altogether. Seems simple enough, right? But life isn't always that simple.
What about when temptations can't be avoided, or if you have already found yourself inching closer to it? Is it too late? Should you go ahead with it anyway? When this happens, be ready with an alternate thing that you can do instead. Why have an alternate? If you just tell yourself "No!" then sit around and do nothing, the temptation is bound to creep up again to fill in the space. If you replace the temptation with another, healthier alternative, then you've beaten it! The longer you sit there, thinking about NOT doing something, the more tempting it will become.
What can you do to create a plan of action? There's a plan of action for that too: Know God and follow Him. He is your absolute best guide, and He won't lead you astray. Here's how you can get started:
Yes, temptations are a part of life on this fallen world. And 1 Peter 1:7 says God will use trials to test our faith and to make us stronger. We will be given much honor if we can stand strong and do not waver.
Make a plan BEFORE you're tempted, avoiding the things that trigger temptation, and when you DO find yourself tempted, look for your escape route, then take it. And remember: it's OK to mess up. We all do. Repent and seek God's forgiveness and He will be faithful to forgive us and restore our relationship with Him.
...if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness." 1 John 1:9 (NLT)
Temptation is a part of life, and while it isn't a sin to be tempted, we should have a plan of action ready for when those temptations show up. Be willing to stop sinful ways, letting go of pride and selfishness. Read God's Word regularly to know what's best for us, talk to God about your temptations and triggers, and be willing to change harmful behaviors. As God changes us, we will learn to develop the right attitudes that come from the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23; John 14:17). As we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us, giving Him control over our lives, we will begin to trust that what He decides is best (Colossians 2:7).
Cat is the web producer and editor of 412teens.org. She is known as "412teens" on the 412teens Discord. She loves audiobooks, feeding the people she cares about, and using Christmas lights to illuminate a room. When Catiana is not cooking, gardening, or practicing creativity, she enjoys spending time with her two kids, five socially-awkward cats, and her amazing friend-amily.
