04/04/2013 - TO THOSE WHO ARE TEMPTED

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For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.

2Corinthians 8.12

This verse reveals what the fear of God can do for you: it will prevent you from tripping. For sure, he will not allow your foot to be moved. In his wisdom, the Lord rewards those who respect his Word. And, even if the devil takes them to “the pinnacle of the temple” to tempt them, they will stand firm in what the Lord has said and, respecting the Scriptures, will not throw themselves down from there.

The Lord also values the respect that is shown when someone does not hesitate obeying him. Some people desire so much to live in accordance with God’s and men’s rules (even abstaining from pleasures that are considered licit) but what should really matter for them is to live in accordance with the biblical precepts. Those who have this attitude towards the Mighty One and his kingdom will be rewarded.

To have a willing mind is what it takes to be used by God to fulfill his plan. In fact, by wanting to do good, you will become a vessel in the hands of the Lord. Even if you have fallen, stand firm, seek forgiveness and restoration, because your desire to get up will make you accepted by the Lord. Not in this life nor in eternity will there be greater joy or reward to those who, for the sake of the Lord, leave his father, mother, spouse and whatever is necessary (Mark 10.29,30). Those who choose to obey what is written in the Holy Scriptures will find that they made the right decision.

No one knows what is behind a temptation. Do you remember the times when you have wished to get involved in some embarrassing situation and you were so tempted that you almost fell? It is better not to fall, but if you did and you want God to restore your heart, he will do so. It is the willingness of your mind that counts, and not what happened.

But at some point you need to stop doing everything that does not please God. Being tempted is not your fault, but you will be responsible for it if you are secretly enjoying it. Good intentions are not enough; what you need to do is obey the Lord.

Believe in what you have understood from the Word of God, since that is the way out for all attacks of the devil against your life. Your decision to respect the Lord is able to break the chains of hell. When you are finally delivered from all temptation, you will enjoy the freedom of holiness.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares