Do you ever have a problem with temptation? You know the same temptation; and the same giving in; and the same sin; and the same guilt over and over and over!  You finally get to the place where you start to think:  “If I can’t beat it, then I am just going to give up and give in.”  Which is exactly what you do, but you still never feel quiet right.  Some where in your heart you know that there is something that is just not right, but you convince yourself that you can live with it.

Why Do We Give In? Today I want to share with you what I believe is the main reason that we give into temptation.  And hopefully provide away of escape!  Now hang with me – okay?

Think about this: When temptation comes a knocking what are you doing?  I have discovered that temptation often comes for me when I am idle.  As long as I am busy doing what God has called and created me for, then temptation is usually not a big deal for me.  But the very moment that I slow down, then I had better watch out, because temptation is going to come a knocking and if I’ve got nothing else to do, then I will probably open the door.

What is the secret to winning over temptation? Staying busy in our thinking, working and serving to fulfill the calling of the Lord.  Have you ever noticed how the people in church that are always stirring up trouble seem are the very people who don’t do anything?  I mean they show up, but that is about it.  If we were all busy doing what God has called us to do, then we would not have time to get distracted by the often petty little things that we blow up into something bigger than it should be.

The Bottom Line: If you are a Christian, then stay busy doing what a Christian is supposed to do – Make disciples And Give God Glory!  If we stay busy with the tasks that God has given us, then we won’t have the time to get in on the stuff that the devil sends to mess us up!  What is it that God has for you to do?  Get busy and enjoy the victory!

I love God with all of my heart! I love people, because I know and understand that we are His creation.  I love helping people to get to know God in a real and relevant way.  There are just way to many people sitting in our churches that are playing games.  When you love God and love people, then you want to help people for their blessing and God’s glory.  It is a hard pill to swallow, that people who you love and are trying to help just won’t or can’t get it!  If you are not careful, this can discourage, frustrate and get you off of the right path that you need to make sure that you stay on.  Our job as servants of Christ is not to keep people happy.  Our job as servants of Christ is to bring a smile to the face of our God.

The Truth Is:  Some People Can’t Be Pleased! Listen to what Jesus had to say on the subject: “For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon. The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and “sinners.” But wisdom is proved right by all her children.” Luke 7:33-35

That is some strong words! Jesus is saying:  John the Baptist came and was a strict observer of the rules and regulations and was falsely accused of having a demon.  I came and lived life with you to show you the power of a life lived in the Spirit and you accused me of being a glutton, drunkard and friend of sinners.  Ultimately – it does not matter what man’s opinion is.  The big deal is God’s fact!  Live right and your living will be proven right by the fruit that it produces!

You Are Not Alone! I know that many of you out there are struggling against negative, critical, pessimistic, destructive and unresponsive people, but Stay Faithful To God’s Calling No Matter What!  Because you are bringing glory to God and blessing to others, even if people around you fail to realize or recognize it!  God sees and God will reward!

What do you do when you see a stop sign? What are you supposed to do when you see a stop sign?  Why is it so hard for us to do what we are supposed to do?  Some times the Holy Spirit will put up a stop sign in our lives.  When we see this spiritual stop sign – it means STOP!  Don’t go anywhere and don’t do anything!  Stop and survey the situation.  This is easier said than done!  After you stop and make sure that everything is as it should be, then you can go!

We Need To Stop And Check Things Out! The right Church gives us an opportunity to stop!  When we go to church, if we are going to get out of church what we could and should, then we need to use our experience at church as an opportunity to stop.  Stopping is vitally important to our safety and our continued journey!  Stop or you will be stopped – one way or another.  You and I can make the choice to stop in safety, survey our situation and move forward with confidence that we are doing the right thing, or we can keep moving and be stopped by the tragedies, frustrations and challenges of life, which can often produce a lot of harm and dysfunction!

All of us need to take some time to stop! When you stop, ask God to help you to survey your life and the way that you are living it.  Does anything need to change?  Is their room for improvement?  The purpose of stopping is to make sure that our life is headed in the right direction.  When you know that it is, rev up the gas and enjoy the ride!