Living in Victory
1 Corinthians 10:13 The only temptations that you have are the same temptations that all people have. But you can trust God. He will not let you be tempted more than you can bear. But when you are tempted, God will also give you a way to escape that temptation. Then you will be able to endure it.
In an era when social, political and religious opinions are becoming ever more polarised, when the rhetoric is becoming ever more heated, when the chasms in society are growing ever wider, it seems that we’re becoming more and more focussed on the faults of others.
It’s true, isn’t it – particularly if you participate in social media? Fault-finding has never been easier than it is today. Tribes form around ideas, around world views, around religions, and we feel compelled to defend our tribe by defeating the enemy. But is that really what life’s all about? Really?
Greek philosopher Aristotle once said this: “I count him braver who overcomes his own desires than him who conquers his enemies; for the hardest victory is over self.”
Ain’t that the truth. Taming your own desires – hey, even taming your tongue – can seem all but impossible some days. But fortunately we’re not alone in overcoming our own desires. Because for anyone who’s set their heart and soul fully on following hard after Jesus, there’s power, abundant power, instant power … more power than we’ll ever need to overcome that within us that we know is wrong.
1 Corinthians 10:13 The only temptations that you have are the same temptations that all people have. But you can trust God. He will not let you be tempted more than you can bear. But when you are tempted, God will also give you a way to escape that temptation. Then you will be able to endure it.
You and I, we can’t change all those people out there, no matter how hard we argue. But we can look in the mirror honestly, and change ourselves, a pursuit in which you’re not alone because God is in this with you.
That’s His Word. Fresh … for you … today.
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