thoughts by Charles Stanley Archives - Page 9 of 15

Published August 26, 2020

The Slow Burn of Insecurity

How would you answer if someone were to ask, “Do you feel good about yourself?” Would your thoughts be filled with self-doubt and second-guessing, or would you be able to stand tall and say, “Yes, I do”?

There are many behaviours and attitudes that clearly cross boundaries—such as unforgiveness, adultery, and greed. But insecurity is different. It’s more like a slow flame burning just beneath the surface, influencing our thoughts and subtly harming us from within. This issue is harder to identify, but it’s powerful and can impact how we respond to God’s call.

What do we mean by insecurity? It’s a feeling of inadequacy, often compounded by a sense of complete helplessness, purposelessness, disapproval, or rejection. All of these things can slowly accumulate and weigh us down if we don’t learn how to identify them.

Try spending time today in earnest prayer and honest self-discovery. Ask the heavenly Father to shine His light on any area of insecurity that may be a burden on your heart. Let Him remind you just how special you are in His eyes. After all, our value comes from being God’s children, and that will never change.

Romans 8:33-39

33 Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; 34 who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. 35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 Just as it is written, FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG; WE WERE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED.” 37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord

By Dr. Charles Stanley
Used by Permission

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Unshakable Peace

Philippians 4:4-9
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

Have you ever thought that a vacation would relieve your anxiety or that you could work out your worries at the gym? I know I have. But the truth is, no one can achieve total freedom from heartache, burdens, or trouble.

However, we can have peace during anxious times. Serenity is a gift from our heavenly Father—it can’t be manufactured. The Holy Spirit produces a sense of calm in believers who seek the Lord’s protection against anxiety. In the often-quoted passage of Philippians 4:6-7, the Greek word translated as “guard” means “to keep with a garrison.” God wraps our heart and mind in His peace, safeguarding both against all-consuming worry or fear. Notice that He doesn’t make all of our problems go away. So while we may still be under pressure or prone to weep, we are cushioned against anxiety and surrounded by calm instead.

Jesus said to seek peace in Him because He has overcome this troublesome world (John 16:33)). Let’s shift our focus from our vexing problem to God and ask for His peace to surround us today. Remember, He’s the only one with limitless resources and power, and He wants to meet our needs (Psalm 50:10; Romans 8:11)

By Dr. Charles Stanley
Used by Permission

Learn more about knowing Jesus at: https://thoughts-about-god.com/four-laws/

The Causes of Insecurity

Psalm 8

“O Lord, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth, Who have set Your glory above the heavens!
Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have ordained strength, Because of Your enemies, That You may silence the enemy and the avenger.
When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him?

(5)For You have made him a little lower than the angels, And You have crowned him with glory and honor.

You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet, All sheep and oxen— Even the beasts of the field,
The birds of the air, And the fish of the sea That pass through the paths of the seas.
O Lord, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth!

Let’s look at some common causes of where Insecurity can come from:

Rejection. When we grow up thinking no one really likes us, we turn into chronically reluctant adults who lack confidence.

Tragedy. Traumatic circumstances like a broken home, the death of a loved one, or abusive relationships can open the door for insecurity.

Poor body image. Whether it’s body shape, hair loss, or disability, physical appearance can lead people to see themselves in a negative light. The resulting shame and self-consciousness can permeate interactions with others.

Comparison. People sometimes become preoccupied with those who seem smarter, wealthier, nicer-looking, more successful, and so on. This makes individuals feel overshadowed and creates doubt in their own ability to achieve.

Failure. Because we pour time and resources into our work, families, and life goals, a setback in any of these areas can crush our spirit.

If this sounds familiar, examine your heart carefully. Ask yourself,

In what area of life might I have deep insecurity?

Remember, today’s psalm says God has crowned us “with glory and majesty!” (Psalm 8:5). That’s who we really are.

By Dr. Charles Stanley
Used by Permission

Learn more about knowing Jesus at: https://thoughts-about-god.com/four-laws/

Content

Read: Philippians 4:4-13

In today’s reading, the apostle Paul says he has learned the secret of experiencing contentment in all circumstances, good or bad. Does it surprise you that he wrote this when he was in prison, unsure of his future?

We’re often discontent even when all is going well. Consequently, we wonder how it’s possible to be truly content during our most difficult trials, especially when there’s no end in sight. So what is genuine contentment? Paul is speaking of a freedom from worry and frustration about everything in life–even unfulfilled desires.

It’s usually when we cannot control or change our situation that we feel discontentment. As long as our satisfaction depends on whether certain things actually work out, we’ll allow circumstances to cheat us out of peace. I’m not saying there’s some spiritual stage where you will never again experience anxiety or frustration. But what matters is how we respond when those feelings grip us.

This is something that the apostle had to learn. Paul endured amazing suffering, from shipwrecks and hunger to unjust imprisonment and beatings (2 Corinthians 11:24-30). He had gone through countless situations that were uncertain, extraordinarily painful, and seemingly hopeless. But he finally discovered that contentment could not be dependent upon his circumstances.

How do you respond when circumstances are out of your control? Do you get angry? Do you try to escape? Does despair make you want to give up? Paul chose to give his anxieties to Jesus in exchange for peace that “surpasses all comprehension” (Philippians 4:7). That same peace is available to you.

By Dr. Charles Stanley
Used by permission
http://www.intouch.org/

Strength for the Lonely

“ You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, And called from its remotest parts And said to you, `You are My servant, I have chosen you and not rejected you. Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Behold, all those who are angered at you will be shamed and dishonored; Those who contend with you will be as nothing and will perish.” Isaiah 41:9-11

Loneliness is a painful emotion that many people fear. Paul knew what it felt like, so his life and letters can offer us encouragement when we’re lonely. Yesterday we saw how the apostle was motivated by the presence of Christ. Now let’s look at what fueled His courage.

First, Paul experienced the strength of God. Often, the Lord allows us to come to the end of our own ability so that we clearly see His hand. Otherwise, we would attribute success to our own doing. For example, the apostle was facing possible death charges in court, and it must have been tempting to water down the truth in order to save his own life. But God enabled him to be forthright in once again proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ—fearlessly, boldly, and effectively.

Second, Paul knew he was fulfilling God’s will. Despite his dire situation, the apostle found satisfaction, energy, and joy because he was obedient to God. The believer’s reality is bigger than what meets the eye in the imminent moment.

Remember, even in painful circumstances, three truths are certain: Jesus stands with us; He strengthens us for whatever task our Father wants us to accomplish; and until our final breath, He will enable us to fulfill God’s purpose. Be comforted and encouraged by these promises of the living Lord.

By Dr. Charles Stanley
used by Permission

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Why Does God Allow Storms in Our Life?

Published June 29, 2020

Why Does God Allow Storms in Our Life?

No one likes turbulent times, but until we reach heaven, they will be a part of our life. The underlying foundation for understanding the storms we encounter is found in Psalm 103:19

“The LORD has established His throne in the heavens, And His sovereignty rules over all”.

No matter what the apparent source is, God ultimately directs every situation, because His sovereignty rules over all.

He uses storms to …

Bring us to repentance. Sometimes we create chaotic conditions with our own sinful choices. Yet like Jonah, we’ll discover that the Lord is always with us—even in our disobedience—drawing us back to Himself.

Grow us spiritually. Trials force us to rely on God’s strength rather than our own. We learn to endure, persevere, and submit to the Father so He can make us more like Christ.

Reveal Himself to us. Turbulent times give us a more accurate perspective of God and the way He works. Sometimes this understanding comes when we look back on a storm and see how He brought us through. Then we realize His strength was sufficient and His purpose was good.

Take comfort in knowing that God controls your storms, and His mighty power and unfailing love govern whatever comes your way.

Read: Jonah 1:1-17

By Dr. Charles Stanley
Used by Permission

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Grace to Keep Going

Published June 19, 2020

Grace to Keep Going

Read: Acts 15:7-11

As believers, we readily attribute our salvation to God’s grace, but what does “this grace in which we stand” mean to us now (Romans. 5:2)? How does it work out in everyday life, especially when we’re going through periods of trial or suffering?

1. The Lord’s grace releases His supernatural power within us so we can endure life’s hardships with a godly attitude. In fact, we’ll even be able to rejoice in what He is doing in us through the adversity.

2. Grace builds our confidence in the sovereign Lord. Nothing looks hopeless when we focus on Him instead of on our problems.

3. We discover the assurance of God’s sustaining presence as He walks with us every step of the way.

4. Because we’ve experienced His care for us, we are able to show empathy and love to others facing hard times.

5. During fiery trials, grace works to transform our character so that others can see Jesus reflected in us.

Difficulties in life are unavoidable. So we need a daily dose of God’s grace if we are to walk through trials with confidence that there is great reward on the other side. If we rely on our own strength, however, obstacles will appear insurmountable, leaving us discouraged and ready to give up.

Too often believers rely on Christ for their salvation but then try to go solo. If God’s grace was needed to save us, then logic says we would also need it for the rest of our days. Only through a continuous infusion of His sustaining power can we live a victorious Christian life.

By Dr. Charles Stanley
Used by permission
From: http://www.intouch.org/

Acts 15:7-11

⁷And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up and said to them: “Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. ⁸So God, who knows the heart, ^[a]acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, ⁹and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. ¹⁰Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? ¹¹But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus ^[b]Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they.”

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The Storms of Life

Published June 12, 2020

The Storms of Life

Why is this happening to me? We’ve probably all asked that question at some point in our life. Perhaps our world was turned upside down by a medical diagnosis, a seemingly insurmountable financial crisis, a relationship that fell apart after starting out well, or a loss of some kind.

It’s natural to want to know why a storm has occurred, but how we choose to handle it is also important. Will our trust in the Lord increase as we watch Him use our suffering to make us more Christlike, or will we become bitter and resentful toward Him? In other words, will we rage against God or humbly submit?

Sometimes we bring trouble on ourselves with wilful disobedience; other times, storms come through no fault of our own. In either case, difficulties are common to all of us. And Peter tells us not to be surprised at fiery ordeals as if something strange is happening to us. Whatever the cause, God uses trials to purify and refine us. Therefore, as we aim to continually do what is right in the Creator’s eyes, let’s keep on rejoicing in the Lord, with our hope firmly set on Christ’s return.

1 Peter 4:12-19
^“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. ^]On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?” Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

By Dr. Charles Stanley
Used by Permission

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Handling Difficult Circumstances

Published June 1, 2020

Handling Difficult Circumstances

“More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.” Philippians 3:8-11

The apostle Paul understood how to handle tough circumstances. Even while he was confined in a prison cell, he kept his eyes on Christ and trusted firmly in the Savior. Therefore, despite being in chains, he was able to celebrate the Lord’s work in his life. In fact, the epistle he wrote from jail to the Philippians was filled with rejoicing (1:18; 2:18; 3:1).

Focusing on Christ is neither a natural reaction nor an easy one. Our instinct is to dwell on the situation at hand, searching for solutions or stewing over the pain and difficulty. As a result, troubles look scary and overwhelm us with a sense of defeat.

However, fear and defeat cannot live long in a heart that trusts the Lord. I’m not saying you’ll forget what you’re going through, but you can choose to dwell on His provision and care instead. He is the Deliverer (2 Corinthians 1:10). He is the Healer (Deuteronomy 32:39). He is the Guide (Proverbs 3:6). The believer who lays claim to divine promises discovers that God pushes back negative emotions. In their place, hope, confidence, and contentment take up residence (Philippians 4:11). You aren’t going to be happy about a difficult situation, but you can be satisfied that God is in control and up to something good in the midst of trouble.

The Lord’s principles and promises don’t change, no matter how severe or painful the situation is. Focus on Christ instead of the circumstances—God will comfort your heart and bring you safely through the trial. Then you can answer Paul’s call to “rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4).

By Dr. Charles Stanley

Used by permission
http://www.intouch.org/

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Praying in a Crisis

Published May 28, 2020

Praying in a Crisis

The New King James Version of James 5:16 says

“the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”

Effective—that is exactly what we want our prayers to be, especially in crisis. Let’s look more closely at two things God looks for when we communicate with Him:

Fervency. Ardent prayers are motivated by a burdened heart and a strong sense of personal helplessness. They usually focus on something specific that we care about deeply. The Bible refers to this type of prayer as “labouring earnestly” (Colossians 4:12).

Righteousness. When we trust in the Son of God, we’re declared righteous because of our position in Him. In other words, through the Savior, we have been reconciled to God and adopted as His children. But the word righteous can also be used of a believer’s conduct—that is, it describes the person who is found in Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:9 ) and obeys God. If we willingly and knowingly engage in sin, then we are not living righteously.

We don’t always pray fervently, do we? Take a moment to reflect on areas in your life that might show patterns of unrighteousness, and earnestly present them to God. Your concerns matter to your heavenly Father, and He will listen.

By Charles Stanley
Used by Permission

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Relying on God in Times of Trouble

Published May 15, 2020

Relying on God in Times of Trouble

It’s easy to think of Paul as a spiritual giant who never became discouraged by the many afflictions he suffered. After all, he tells us to exult not only in the hope of the glory of God but also in our tribulations, since they are a tool the Lord uses to produce perseverance, proven character, and hope in us (Romans 5:1-4)

1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Yet in today’s passage, Paul writes with great transparency, saying he was burdened beyond his strength and despaired of life. However, He knew the Lord was not absent in all those afflictions and realized he had to trust God rather than himself. That is a lesson we can learn from as well.

If we give in to self-reliance and fear, we’ll find ourselves going down wrong paths: We may vacillate and become weaker instead of growing stronger in the storm. Oftentimes, in desperation, we’ll ask other people for guidance instead of going to our Father. Our first response should be to seek understanding from Him about what’s happening in our life. This is why time with the Lord in His Word and prayer is top priority. That’s where we discover His purposes and come away emotionally settled.

2 Corinthians 1:8-11 (NKJV)
⁸For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. ⁹Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, ¹⁰who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us, ¹¹you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.

By Dr. Charles Stanley
Used by Permission

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Overwhelmed by Problems

Published May 4, 2020

Overwhelmed by Problems

Job described the human condition with these words: “Man is born for trouble, as sparks fly upward” (Job 5:7). This was certainly the situation for Timothy, a young pastor trying to protect the church from persecution and false doctrine. And as a result, he was becoming discouraged and found his passion waning.

Things are no different today, right? Overwhelming troubles can cause us to grow weak and lose our zeal for God, His Word, and prayer. The solution for us today is the same one Paul gave Timothy all those years ago. The apostle reminded his protege that

“God has not given us a spirit of timidity but of power and love and discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).

The path to spiritual revival is found in the very things we are sometimes reluctant to do—praying and reading the Word. When we read Scripture, our mind is renewed with God’s truth, and we draw comfort, strength, and courage from His promises and unfailing love. Through prayer and submission, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to endure afflictions with hope and joy in Christ. So instead of yielding to despair, let God use your troubles to rekindle your spiritual life.

2 Timothy 1:1-9
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,

To Timothy, a beloved son:
Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, when I call to remembrance the ^]genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,

By Dr. Charles Stanley
Used by Permission

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Satisfaction for the Thirsty Soul

Published April 21, 2020

Satisfaction for the Thirsty Soul

“Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow]thereby,” 1 Peter:2:1-2

Think about a time you experienced unbearable thirst.

You probably would have traded anything for a drink. When you finally got your wish, there was nothing that could have tasted better than that cold, refreshing glass of water.

Compare this physical need to spiritual thirst. The Lord knows our deep need for fulfillment, and only He can truly satisfy.

Isn’t it interesting, then, that we live in a society where most people feel dissatisfied? In Christ, we have everything necessary to be complete, content, and fulfilled. Yet our world deceptively tells us to seek after wealth, glory, and other empty dreams. These seem to work only for a short time, if at all. Yet we often do not recognize our actual needs. The enemy continues to deceive by telling us that his poor substitutes will satisfy the craving inside us.

Our triune God, on the other hand, is all we need. Let’s take a look at several passages from Scripture. Jesus called Himself “the bread of life” and “living water”—the sustenance our souls require to survive and thrive ( John 6:34-35; John 7:37-38) God’s Word is alive, able to teach, convict, and redirect us toward a godly path (Hebrews 4:12). Biblical truth, which is compared to milk, provides the nourishment our souls need (1 Peter 2:2) .

All of us have an emptiness within—a longing for something more. What are you attempting to use to satisfy it? Our hearts are like a jigsaw puzzle. No matter how hard you try to force a wrong piece, it will never fit correctly. Turn to Jesus, and trust that He knows how to fulfill you.

By Dr. Charles Stanley
Used by Permission

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The Moments That Sustain Us

Published March 29, 2020

The Moments That Sustain Us

When life falls apart, what do you do?

All of us face hard circumstances—and some of these are very painful situations that last a long time. Unless we have a purposeful focus, joy can fade and hope may seem unattainable.

King David experienced extreme hardships, including the grief of losing both a child and a best friend. He also endured Saul’s attempts to kill him and, later on, a rebellion led by his own son. But even in hard times, David found hope and peace in God.

Why was David able to trust in the Lord? Because he knew how to meditate. That is, he focused his mind and spirit on God’s character, ways, and will in order to know the Lord better and obey Him.

What do you think about during the day? Do you set aside time to dwell solely on Jesus? Remind yourself periodically to bring your attention back to the Creator—one way to do this is to read several psalms and notice how the author refocuses on almighty God.

By continually focusing on God, David found peace in the midst of turmoil. We would be wise to follow his example. During times of difficulty, set your eyes on the Father and meditate on His Word.

Psalm 145:1-21

I will ^]extol You, my God, O King; And I will bless Your name forever and ever. ²Every day I will bless You, And I will praise Your name forever and ever. ³Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;
And His greatness is ^]unsearchable.

⁴One generation shall praise Your works to another, And shall declare Your mighty acts. ⁵ ^]I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty, And^]on Your wondrous works. ⁶Men shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts, And I will declare Your greatness. ⁷They shall utter the memory of Your great goodness, And shall sing of Your righteousness. ⁸The Lord is gracious and full of compassion,
Slow to anger and great in mercy. ⁹The Lord is good to all, And His tender mercies are over all His works. ¹⁰All Your works shall praise You, O Lord, And Your saints shall bless You. ¹¹They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom, And talk of Your power, ¹²To make known to the sons of men His mighty acts, And the glorious majesty of His kingdom. ¹³Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And Your dominion endures throughout all ^]generations.

¹⁴The Lord upholds all who fall, And raises up all who are bowed down. ¹⁵The eyes of all look expectantly to You, And You give them their food in due season. ¹⁶You open Your hand And satisfy the desire of every living thing.

¹⁷The Lord is righteous in all His ways, Gracious in all His works. ¹⁸The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth. ¹⁹He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them. ²⁰The Lord preserves all who love Him, But all the wicked He will destroy. ²¹My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord, And all flesh shall bless His holy name
Forever and ever.

By Dr. Charles Stanley
Used by Permission

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Dealing Wisely with Temptation

Published March 17, 2020

Dealing Wisely with Temptation

“ Let no one say when he is tempted, I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.” James 1:13-15

Temptation will be with us as long as we live. Although the areas of enticement and their power over us will change with time, we will never be so mature or spiritually minded that we can totally relax our vigilance against them. Satan is always ready to capitalize on our weaknesses and selfish desires to draw us away from the heavenly Father.

James says we are tempted when we are carried away by our own lusts. Therefore, the problem begins within us when we feel the pull of our flesh to think, speak, or do what is contrary to God’s standard of holiness. Although being tempted is not a sin in itself, yielding to it is. When we dwell on a tempting thought, the idea gains a foothold in our mind and desires. With more attention, the desire will grow until a choice must be made about whether or not to act.

At the same time, we shouldn’t think that holding onto sinful desires is fine as long as we don’t actually do anything. Jesus debunked this idea in the Sermon on the Mount when He enlarged the Law’s commandments to include not just actions but also attitudes of the heart (Matthew 5:21-48). Anything less than God’s standard of holiness is not His will for us (Matthew 5:48).

Temptations start small. Yielding to them may seem inconsequential, but once we give in, that sin gains strength in our life and our ability to resist grows weaker. It may seem as if there’s no way out of this downward spiral, but God has given us a way of escape if we choose to seek out His help (1 Corinthians 10:13).

By Dr. Charles Stanley
Used by Permission

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