TEMPTATION ISLAND.
From Proverbs 23:7 we read these words, “For as he thinks within himself, so he is…”
TEMPTATION ISLAND. A few years ago, Hollywood introduced a new reality television show called Temptation Island. I never watched it myself, but it was enough seeing the ads promoting it. It was a show created and designed to test the strength of a couple’s love. The couple in love were separated from one another and taken to a beach environment with good looking (and willing) singles of the opposite sex. Could they hold out? Could they stay true? Was their love strong enough to resist the temptation? Without a doubt, that TV show is a sad commentary on American society today. Its appeal was rooted in lust, betrayal and sexual immorality. In addition, Temptation Island taught us that the way to test your moral strength is to throw yourself into moral temptation. In my opinion, a more suitable title for that show would have been, “The Island for the Incredibly Stupid.”
DEALING WITH TEMPTATION.
Temptation is something all of us deal with. Everyone gets tempted, from the late Billy Graham’s of this world to the Billy Bobs. No one is immune to temptation. Even Jesus got tempted. The Bible tells us that temptation is common to man (1 Cor. 10:13). The question isn’t will you be tempted, but how will you be victorious over temptation? Let me assure you of this: you and I will never have victory over temptation by purposefully placing it before us as was done on Temptation Island. If we have trouble with alcohol, we will never be successful staying away from it if we always have a six pack of beer in the frig. If we have trouble with drugs, we cannot keep a loaded crack pipe in the dresser drawer. If we have trouble with pornography, we cannot keep going to X-rated porn websites. The Bible clearly states, “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh with regard to its lusts” (Rom. 14:13).
GOD WANTS US VICTORIOUS! How can you and I walk in victory? The battleground regarding temptation is in the mind. Sin starts in the mind… the devil works on the mind. He wants us to start thinking about that which is forbidden. Like Eve with the forbidden fruit, the devil wants us to fixate on that which is forbidden… on that which God clearly says, “Don’t do that.” The devil wants to get us to believe that the particular sin in question (whatever that sin may be) will satisfy us. Remember, the devil is a liar and a deceiver. The thing that looks so good will not really satisfy. It is like drinking salt water, it will not satisfy our thirst… it will just leave us sick, ashamed and in want.
WHAT’S THE ANSWER? In our verse for today, we find the key. Solomon says in his great wisdom, “For as he thinks within himself, so he is…” He’s simply telling us that what we think about will eventually be acted out. If we choose to dwell upon negative and evil thoughts, it will always lead to regretful acts. That’s why the Bible tells us to “take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5). If I do not allow my mind to dwell on that which God says is wrong, but rather focus my mind on that which God says is right (Phil. 4:8), I will win the battle. That verse says again, “Think on these things…” This is so important! Why? Because God designed your mind to where you can only think upon one thing at a time and you can choose what you want to think about. I’ve heard some say, “Well I can’t help it…those thoughts just keep coming into my mind!” That’s a lie! Satan can and will present evil thoughts, but you and I can choose what to think about. That’s why the Bible says, “Think on these things…!” Advertisers know this truth. That’s why they spend millions of dollars on ads. They know that if you think about their products long enough, you’ll eventually purchase them. The devil knows this very well too. He knows if he can get you to think on something long enough, you’ll act on it. So, spiritually, you and I must take control of our thoughts and redirect them when tempted! By taking every evil thought that crosses my mind captive to the obedience of Christ, temptation will not be allowed to get a foothold, gain momentum and strength in my life.
GOD WANTS US HAPPY! Mark it down: the happiest people in life are the people who walk in God’s ways. (Psalm 119:1). They are the ones who go to bed at night clean… and free… and joyful because they are right with God. The most miserable people in life are those who swallow the devil’s bait and succumb to Temptation Island. Momentary pleasure for lasting pain is just not worth it (Gal. 6:7-8).
DO A CHECKUP FROM THE NECKUP! Change your mind. Discipline your thought life! Take control of your thought life! The battle is fought and won between your ears…your mind! Get rid of stinkin thinkin! God wants to bless us and give us strength in our battle against temptation. He will enable you and me to win IF we yield to His Spirit, set our minds on Him, His Word and get ourselves off temptation island! Think it over…🙏