Overcoming Temptation

Fighting Temptation

Human beings are creatures of routine. When we discover an efficient way of getting a task done, we tend to adopt the mechanism and rarely make any efforts to change things up. After all, why replace something that isn’t broken? This line of thinking explains how most habits are formed.

Indeed, the things we love to do, or the practices we habitually engage in without a second thought, usually stem from actions, beliefs and practices that have been ingrained into our subconscious minds through repetition.

While this may not necessarily be a bad thing, when we look at mental bondage that has been fueled by substance abuse or destructive thinking patterns, we can only conclude the negative habits were developed and bolstered through constant repetition.

Recognizing the Root of Temptation

Whether we want to admit it or not, the actions, beliefs and practices that have grown to tempt or enslave us were initially developed from our own choices. I bring this up to say that when God delivers a believer from addiction by renewing their minds, the neurological patterns that have been ingrained in their brains from past destructive behaviors may take some time to be rewired.

The word “addiction” is derived from a Latin term for “enslaved by” or  "bound to.” Addictions literally hijack the brain by altering its chemistry and changing its communication patterns. When we become addicted to a substance, practice or certain pattern of thinking, our brain adjusts to accommodate the over-stimulation fueled by the obsessive compulsions.

Why Overcoming Temptation Takes Time

According to mental health experts, when a person tries to quit or discontinue a destructive habit, their brain will experience an uncomfortable adjustment process. Although this change is for the greater good, the person will still struggle from time to time as the brain finds a new healthy balance. Most addictions are usually bolstered in familiarity and even if a person is willing to change and allows God to transform their mindset, triggers of their past behaviors can tempt them to relapse into old habits.

The truth is, because of our human nature, we all have a tendency to get comfortable with the patterns and habits we have enforced in our lives for years. This means even if we want to change, there are parts of our physiological make-up that will still have a craving for the things that we have previously fed it.

This phenomenon can be described as “temptation,” a term also characterized as an impulsive desire to do, or engage in something we know will produce more harm than good in the long run.

Temptation from a Biblical Perspective

Let’s be real for a moment. We’ve all experienced temptation and have fallen victim to its luring power, but being tempted should not be a reason to lose hope in your God ordained breakthrough.

Encountering temptations is inevitable. The good news is the Lord is faithful and He will never allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able to bear.

Not only that, with every temptation we face, God provides a way of escape so we can endure the testing period and avoid giving in to our lustful desires (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Understanding Temptation

The New Living Translation states that “temptations in your life are no different from what others experience.” If you are battling with an addiction or an oppressed mindset, it is important to remember you will encounter many triggers and temptations that will try to lure you back to your old life.

But this is nothing to beat yourself up over or get discouraged about. In the first chapter of James, the apostle noted that “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation.”  Yes, you read that correctly.

Not only does God give you the grace to endure the testing season, He also rewards you after you have overcome it. This reward is described as a crown of life God has promised to everyone who loves him (James 1:12). The scripture also goes on to remind us that temptation does not come from God.

 “And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, ‘God is tempting me.’ God is never tempted to do wrong and he never tempts anyone else. 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. So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters.” –James 1:13 NIV

Here we see God, through His disciple, reminding believers He does not tempt people. Now a lot of people assume after they receive deliverance from God, He will tempt them to see whether they will continue to trust in Him or fall back into the pattern of sin.

But while He does allow us to go through a season of testing, all of the temptations we face along the way are products of our own selfish desires and poor decisions.Nevertheless, the God we serve is so good, He still gives us the strength we need to endure temptation and then rewards us when we make it through.

While it does take time and intentional effort on our part, when we replace our destructive habits with prayer, fasting and reading the Word of God, eventually the temptations that once enticed us won’t have a strong hold over our emotions, thoughts and actions anymore.