Poorly Understood?
"Awake to righteousness,
and do not sin."
1 Corinthians 15: 34
Why is it so hard to resist that temptation? Rutgers University
recently received nearly four
million dollars from the National
Institute of Mental Health to study the issue.
A Rutgers professor explained,
“Improving the ability to
resist temptations, urges and cravings is central to suc-
essfully managing many mental health disorders, but
the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood.”
The university might do better to open the pages of the Bible.
There we learn we have a fallen nature, and James 1:14-15
explains perfectly: “Temptation comes from our own desires,
which entice us and drag us away. These desires give
birth
to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives
birth to death”.
When Joseph was tempted by Potiphar’s wife, he ran away
from the temptation. He did it because he had awakened to
the righteous life God expected of Him.
As we grow in awareness of the righteous life God
intends for us, we’re better equipped to resist temptation.
It doesn’t take a university study; it takes a strong dose
of the Holy Spirit!
"In all temptations let us consider
not
what he offers, but what we shall lose."
Richard Sibbes
