Temptation comes in waves

Joab was a general in King David’s army. He was loyal to David, but only to a point. Then David’s son Solomon began to reign. As kings did, Solomon also began cleaning house by removing those who were disloyal.

When the news came to Joab—for Joab had supported Adonijah although he had not supported Absalom—Joab fled to the tent of the Lord and caught hold of the horns of the altar. (1 Kings 2:28)

Joab’s loyalty kept him from following Absalom, David’s handsome and wily son, but later he went after another son who wanted David’s throne. Solomon was dealing with those usurpers and when Joab realized it, he also realized he was in line for a death sentence.

Chambers takes a big picture look at this situation, seeing it as an example of what happens to Christians today. We get tested by a supreme and difficult temptation. We might pass that test, but fail to remain on the alert when the second wave comes. Somehow, the first victory gives a false sense of invincibility.

While I’ve never been able to prepare for temptation, I know it is a common and frequent enemy. I also know that God will help me stay standing under it . . .

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Temptation happens to everyone, but falling into sin is not inevitable. God provides the means to overcome the temptation. My problem is discovering whatever means will work. Is it running away? Crying for help? Calling for supportive prayer? Identifying the lie behind it? Doing something right instead? All of the above?

Chambers says the Bible characters failed on their strong points, not their weaknesses. If that is true, it seems a good idea to examine my strengths. Each one of them has a down-side where the tempter makes his appeals.

For instance, I’m continually told that I have a wonderful imagination. It shows up when making meals, designing quilts, and in other ways. But that imagination also goes to work in areas that people cannot see. Not only do I have vivid (and usually funny) dreams at night, but I can daydream with the best script writers. Sometimes those dreams take my mind in places it should not go. For this temptation, God’s way of escape is usually a challenge where I can use my creativity in productive ways. Instead of getting into trouble, I can take part in advancing His kingdom.

Another God-given strength is the spiritual gift of discernment. For years, this helps me perceive the spiritual condition of others. The Holy Spirit gives good information, but I’ve not always handled it well. When I should praise the positives and pray for the weaknesses, my pride can turn the information into criticism or other forms of negativity. Duh.

Even as temptations come to exploit strengths, there is no way I can predict when, where, or even exactly what form they will take. Often I’m tempted after a victory, or a time of endurance through an intense trial. I can know they will come, but am usually surprised.

Also, as Chambers says, it isn’t wise to be on the lookout with morbid introspection and dread. I need to be alert and guard my strengths by wearing spiritual armor. I must also rest in the fact of God’s sovereign. The enemy cannot throw his lies at me without God’s permission and purpose.

Even thought temptation is not God’s idea, but He can turn it into a test that has a way of firmly convincing me that I always need grace and that I am always kept by the power of God.

The flip side of good

John Grisham’s book, “The Brethren” has characters that are in jail, downright selfish, and doing their best to continue their illegal activity. Their evil attitudes are obvious.

For the past few days, my devotional readings have focused on Judas, the traitor who for thirty pieces of silver sold out Jesus Christ to those who would crucify Him. While this man walked with Jesus and saw Him do miracles, even experienced His love and compassion as did the other disciples, he allowed one passion to grow unchecked in his own heart. He was the treasurer for this company of men, and this gave him opportunities to indulge himself; he liked money.

Jesus knew the heart of Judas. Before the event, He asked the disciples if they would stick around, even as others were walking away. Peter boldly said,

Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God. (John 6:68–69)

Jesus may have smiled. Finally, at least one of them got it. However, He answered them,

“Did I not choose you, the Twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.” He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the Twelve, was going to betray him. (John 6:70–71)

Did this register? Did Judas even hear what Jesus said? Did this disciple know his own capacity for sin? Or was he so focused on what he wanted that Jesus’ words seemed as nothing to him?

Grisham’s book also has a character who seems a fine, upstanding citizen. He has no flaws, and appears to be the hero of the story. However, power appeals to him, makes him walk taller. As the story unfolds, he is offered an opportunity beyond anything he’d ever expected. I’m only into the first part of the book, but already see this man is being tested. Will he choose wisely? Or will he indulge himself?

I once took a test designed to bring out which Christian ministries would best fit my passions and skills. One of the questions involved personal strengths. After circling words from a long list of possibilities, the next question said, “For each strength circled, describe the corresponding possibility for sin in the use of that strength.”

Some of this was easy. For instance, someone with a good imagination can use that ability for evil or for good. A person skilled in leadership can use it for a personal power trip. However, the answers became more complicated and more revealing. I learned much from that exercise. It comes to mind as I think about Judas. He may have had some strengths but his life needed a test. In God’s wisdom, he was given charge of the money bag. Would he pass? Or would his greed get the best of him? Obviously, he made the wrong choice.

This is a warning. Most of us do not think about the trap hidden in godly opportunities. When opportunities come, we can so easily be blindsided. For every good thing done in service to God, there is a dark side, an appeal to my selfishness. I can even start out doing the right thing for the wrong reasons, but more often start with the right reasons and wind up in the ditch.

My crashes may not be as obvious and those that have happened to prominent television evangelists, other pastors, Christian authors and leaders. But little people are not immune. The devil wants to destroy the credibility of all Christians, not because we are particularly important in his eyes, but because God can use anyone for His glory. If the Lord offers me a wonderful opportunity, I can go for it, but must remember that I can also make foolish decisions, and like Judas, betray the One who handed me the choice.