Moments of Weakness
READ | 2 Samuel 11:1-5
Scripture is filled with descriptions of men and women who sinned in moments of weakness. The first of these true stories is Adam and Eve. First Corinthians 10:11 says these stories are given for our instruction. God wants us to learn from the mistakes of others.
King David's idleness caused his mind to contemplate adultery with Bathsheba. Weariness led Elijah to view death as preferable to life. Genesis 3:6 indicates pride may have played a part in Eve listening to the serpent. Lust may have prompted Solomon to desire many wives, including unbelieving ones. Add to these a sense of spiritual or emotional neediness and emptiness, and we have at least six situations that are fertile ground for temptation. In some biblical examples, temptation was resisted. But in others, the individuals gave in. We can all identify.
The many different types of temptation follow a similar pattern. The eye looks, the mind desires, and the will acts. King David looked at Uriah's wife and inquired about her. Then, he acted. Joshua 7:20-21 tells the story of Achan. He helped in the Jericho conquest and noticed all the material wealth. Then, he coveted it in his mind and took what he wanted.
Regardless of the reason for vulnerability, each person is responsible for his actions. In times of weakness, don't let yourself become too Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired and this turned to the acronym "H.A.L.T.". Most importantly, fix your attention on the Lord. Draw strength from Him, and experience victory over temptation.
Scripture is filled with descriptions of men and women who sinned in moments of weakness. The first of these true stories is Adam and Eve. First Corinthians 10:11 says these stories are given for our instruction. God wants us to learn from the mistakes of others.
King David's idleness caused his mind to contemplate adultery with Bathsheba. Weariness led Elijah to view death as preferable to life. Genesis 3:6 indicates pride may have played a part in Eve listening to the serpent. Lust may have prompted Solomon to desire many wives, including unbelieving ones. Add to these a sense of spiritual or emotional neediness and emptiness, and we have at least six situations that are fertile ground for temptation. In some biblical examples, temptation was resisted. But in others, the individuals gave in. We can all identify.
The many different types of temptation follow a similar pattern. The eye looks, the mind desires, and the will acts. King David looked at Uriah's wife and inquired about her. Then, he acted. Joshua 7:20-21 tells the story of Achan. He helped in the Jericho conquest and noticed all the material wealth. Then, he coveted it in his mind and took what he wanted.
Regardless of the reason for vulnerability, each person is responsible for his actions. In times of weakness, don't let yourself become too Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired and this turned to the acronym "H.A.L.T.". Most importantly, fix your attention on the Lord. Draw strength from Him, and experience victory over temptation.
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