The email began: “All, I try not to overload your reading with too many articles. But when I find one that is so good, I can’t help but to share it with you.”
Naturally, my interest was piqued, and I downloaded the article. But when I saw the title was “Four Temptations that Leaders Face,” honestly, I wasn’t too excited. I thought: Hmm . . . I don’t face many temptations. Boy, was I wrong!
Pastor Dan Reiland categorizes the temptations that leaders—and all of us—face, by using the following four “Ps”: Pressure temptations, power temptations, purity temptations, and people temptations. I can identify two of those as part of my own Achilles’ heel. While under pressure, I’m too easily tempted to lose my patience or become harsh with my words. And I’m often tempted to be people-pleasing rather than God-pleasing.
In 1 Corinthians 10:12-14, Paul provides some helpful counsel for how to handle temptations. First, he reminds us not to underestimate the danger of the situation or overestimate our own ability to handle it (1 Corinthians 10:12). We need to “watch and pray, so that [we] will not give in to temptation” (Matthew 26:41). Second, Paul encourages us by noting that our challenges are not unique. God is faithful, and He will help us. He won’t allow the temptation to be more than we can stand (1 Corinthians 10:13). Finally, we’re told that we can overcome temptation because God gives us the grace to do so. Every temptation is an opportunity to turn to God and His vast resources.
God, may we resist the power of temptation by Your power. Please show us the way out, and give us the strength to follow it. And when we falter and fail, grant us grace to run to You for mercy and restoration. In Jesus’ name, amen.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Genesis 9:1-17
More:
Read Matthew 6:13 and 26:41 to see wisdom from Jesus on the way to handle temptations.
Next:
Which is your tendency—to overestimate your ability to handle temptations or to underestimate the danger? How can you maintain a spirit of dependence on God as you face temptation?
Gary Shultz on January 7, 2017 at 5:49 am
Hi Poh: Challenging stuff! In the next section you ask if we over estimate our own ability or underestimate the danger that may be ahead. Well, I take advantage of both and often at the same time. The school of reality often applies the result to my overconfidence and poor consideration and I am left to clean up the leftovers. Bold individualism and self confidence is tough to scale down. It is pride, it is sin, bottom line. I do think we can good heatedly not see some things in an estimate, or not consider things like the king that was going to war or the man building a tower; however, those biblical warnings were put there for that purpose. We need to stay close to God, depending on His wisdom and timing. We need to turn to him when we feel pressured to turn away. Pride and overconfidence always carry us away from the God we desperately need. Thanks Poh, could I tempt you for a link to pastor Reiland’s article?
elegantstarr1 on January 7, 2017 at 12:04 pm
Good morning Gary…I Googled the link for you…enjoy!
http://danreiland.com/4-temptations-that-leaders-face/
Poh Fang Chia on January 8, 2017 at 8:25 pm
Thank you, Elegantstarr1. 🙂
Poh Fang Chia on January 8, 2017 at 8:31 pm
Totally agree with your statement “Pride and overconfidence always carry us away from the God we desperately need.” This year, I have decided to reread the book “Humility” by Andrew Murray to remind myself of my need for Christ, and to keep my pride in check.
lha2017 on January 7, 2017 at 1:01 pm
I feel like I suffer a little from both. In my younger years, I used to focus so much on avoiding sexual sin, but didn’t take into account other kinds. (wrath, nosiness, gossip, etc.) As I grow older, I’m starting to be more aware of other sins I’m guilty of. I’m learning that taking a moment for a slow, deep breath in the midst of chaos is invaluable when it comes to facing temptations in over-heated situations.
Poh Fang Chia on January 8, 2017 at 8:33 pm
That’s a great piece of advice! 🙂