OK, let me complete what I started the other day. Temptation!! We all face it, & will inevitably deal with it all of our lives on the face of the earth. As long as the devil is allowed to roam free, he’s going to be trying to jack with people. Those that say they aren’t tempted, are lying!!! The reason I’ve posted the temptations to men is, because that’s the context I’m currently working in – mentoring men. You can be a woman & deal with these temptations as well, but from my experience, the temptations I share, have been more prominent with men. If you’re reading this for the first time, go back and read my previous post & that will give you the first two. Today I give you the last 3 that I taught the men on Monday night.
#3 – The Temptation to Love Money.
Just for fun think about the below people and the money they have at their fingertips. It’s mind-boggling!!
Donald Trump $100,000,000 for a renovation
(house in Palm Beach)
Seinfeld — $1,000,000 per show
Bill Gates $30,000,000 for a painting
Please make a note: “Money is not the root of all evil; the love of money is!”
In the bible in Hebrews 12:1-2 it says “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Also make note: There’s no such thing as “get rich quick”!!
PRACTICAL TIPS:
1. Generosity is a key to financial success! When we’re generous, we’re less apt to love money.
2. Follow the 10-10-80 principle. Angel & I have done this for years & still practice it today. 10% to God, 10% to Savings, and the other 80% is allocated to housing, utilities, missions, etc…..
3. Understand that you cannot serve two masters.
#4 – The Temptation to Chase Success.
For many men, this is a never-ending chase…& I promise you, you never get there.
Over the years & I mean over the years, I’ve been learning what is really important. What is really important?
*People
*Family
*What you can give?
Matthew 6:33 says “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
PRACTICAL TIPS:
1. Determine your priorities. To help, look back at prior posts I’ve written on finding your unique purpose. Most people never spend anytime trying to figure that out. You would be a rarity if you actually pursue & arrive at finding your unique person for God placing you on the face of the earth. I dare you to attempt it!!!:)
2. Keep your heart in touch with God’s heart.
Last one, but probably the most subtle & dangerous one. The other temptations, usually stem from this one.
#5 – The Temptation to Forget God.
God is all too often last on our agenda; left out of our calendars, and gets from us what is leftover from everything else.
Matthew 22:37-29 Jesus said: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
PRACTICAL TIPS:
1. Make a commitment to put God first.
2. Pick a specific time and place.
3. Go for consistency.
Bottom line reality for all of the above temptations, “You are responsible for you!” What I’ve revealed is nothing new under the sun. But if you’ll take time to reflect on the temptations you struggle with, and actually begin to be proactive in addressing it/them, you’ll be well on your way to to holding the temptation at bay. My prayer for you is, you’ll become an over-comer & a victor, through the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead. But………..there is a level of responsibility that you must take & a level of ownership that you must have.
After the last chapter of our lives is written, just remember, we will not be able to blame anyone else for our failure to be over-comers. As Children of God, it’s our responsibility to choose obedience & do what is right. What will you choose?
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