Temptation

With the current culture we live in today, especially for us teenagers, there is a lot of controversy over whether or not it is okay to hang out with people who maybe wouldn’t be considered a good example. These people could be nonbelievers, and sometimes even believers. A lot of believers that I am close to say stuff like, “I need to hang out with these people so that I can have a chance to share the gospel with them.” While there isn’t anything wrong with that statement, we have to be careful with how much time we spend with these people. Whether or not you agree with that, you have to admit that the more time you spend with these people, the more opportunities Satan has to tempt you. The Bible tells us that when we are in the presence of evil, we have two choices: stand up or flee. For some of us, certain temptations are controllable, but maybe they aren’t controllable for someone else. When temptation is put before you, ask God for wisdom. Ask Him whether it is something you can control or not. If you feel confident that, through Christ’s grace, you can avoid it, then go for it, however if not, flee. Get out of the situation. I’ve been reading through Proverbs recently, and something I have noticed occurs multiple times, specifically in chapters four and five, is that we, as believers, need avoid the ‘path of the wicked’ and ‘not walk in the way of evil’. Solomon, a man who received wisdom and understanding from God, when offered anything he wanted, makes it clear a number of times that we need to avoid the path of evil, not embrace it. Don’t set yourself up for failure. Again, in no way am I saying, “stop hanging out with people who aren’t passionate about Jesus!” rather, I truly suggest that you spend time talking to the Lord and asking for wisdom in tempting situations, and when you are around them, the best way to share your faith is to show it. People are going to receive a message much better if it is something that they can see, rather than someone talking to them. So next time you are in the presence of someone who you feel like needs God in their life, show them Christ’s love. Walk in humility, and pray that the Lord would open their heart.

-Jack Hilsher

1 Timothy 6:11 (NIV)

“But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.”

Psalm 143:9 (NIV)

“Rescue me from my enemies, LORD, for I hide myself in you.”