Part VI of the “I Love–lust you” series..
Team KGKL Kailene Dela Cruz
FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT: Find victory in temptation
LUSFTUL: To be driven by lust
There has been various times in which lust has entered into different situations such as Joseph’s. He could have fallen into temptation by sleeping with Potiphar’s wife. She tried to introduce Joseph to a lustful nature, which he was not into because he dwelled in God.
Genesis 39:9
“No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me since except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”
We know as Christians and Non-Christians alike that we have been through seasons of sin. What is greater than sin? I tenderly believe that aside from falling into the trap of the enemy and partaking of sin, God is the ultimate. We have to protect our temples that God has provided for us. Just like the way we respect God’s house when we enter, we need to respect our bodies and not be tempted into lust or any actions related. Nothing good can ever come from temptation. There are always consequences to every action. Ask Adam & Eve. They can testify… [Gen. 3:16-18]
RESIST and ENDURE TEMPTATION
God is testing us. He wants to see if we can past these tests of temptation. If we are able to, he will provide us with the ultimate prize:
James 1:12
“Blessed is the man who preserves under trial because when he ha stood the test, he will receive the crown of life God has promised to those who LOVE him.”
1 Corinthians 10:13
“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
James 1: 2-4
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Many times in our lives, we find ourselves at a crossroad because we want something right now and right here. But we never begin to think of the consequences or how it’s going to make us feel. We don’t need to fall into the lustful traps. What we do need is to be in love. We all want to fall in love, but lusting after that love isn’t the right way. It’s all about the “what” we want in a relationship. It’s the feeling of temporary rather than permanent.
What is permanent?
God’s love. AGAPE. Unconditional love.
Temptation is not forever because we can fight against it and win in that battle. Though, remember through our battles, God is and has always been there for us. He will never let go of us! He keeps loving us though all of our storms. He has an unveiling love and it is forever.
1 Chronicles 16:34
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”
1 Corinthians 13:13
“And these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
BEING ACCOUNTABLE
Hold true to yourself by being accountable. If you have to, have someone you trust and are close to hold you accountable to any times of temptation. Confront those temptations and make them known. Your “go-to” person will confront you, as you will be forgiven. This is a willingness to open yourself up and give light to your temptations.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Galatians 6:1-2
“Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Being tempted is one thing, but knowing that there is a God who understands your flaws and has and everlasting love for you outweighs any temptation that comes your way. Leaving temptation and lust where it entered and giving your full heart to God is just one step closer to building your relationship with him. Honestly, what’s better than that?
Know God. Know Love. 