Good Choices – Bad Choices . . . Your Choice

Let’s face it, Satan does NOT want you to succeed. He will do anything in his power to steer Christians away from reaching positive godly goals. Whether it’s in our personal Bible Study or in our determination at avoiding overeating, he  despises anything we do to maintain a healthy earthy temple.

And don’t be fooled, you won’t easily be able to distinguish him, for Satan isn’t a cartoonish ugly red monster with horns and a pitchfork. Satan is a beautiful, enticing creature – the George Clooney of the angels. He is attractive and very tempting, literally.

Satan discerns our weaknesses, so whether it is  fried chicken, chocolate cake, being a people pleaser or preferring laziness, those temptations to do what isn’t best for us will “suddenly” appear when we are at our most vulnerable. If we fall to temptation, we feel discouraged, worthless and a failure.

How do we learn not give in to temptation?

First study Scripture! Quote I John 4:4 “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world” when tempted. Believe that as a Christian you inherit power to overcome temptation! God’s on our side, He wants you to succeed!

Don’t try justifying your behavior. “Well, I’ve been so good, maybe God wants me to have this Butterfinger and Ellie did say anything was fine in moderation.”  Sure, but not if it’s trashing your healthy temple of the Holy Spirit and when there are some perfectly good grapes in the fridge!  James 1:13, “When tempted, no one is to say, “God is tempting me” For God cannot be tempted with evil, nor does he tempt anyone, but each one is tempted when by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.”

You already know what to do! The Bible tells us to “Be holy for I am Holy.” (1 Peter 1:16)  Talk yourself into success but heaven forbid, if you give in, forgive yourself and go on. It’s not the end of the world, it’s simply a learning experience.  Visualize Satan laughing and keeping score if you fail. How dare he! But he hasn’t won yet!  It’s not how many times you fail, but how you react to failures that builds character and ensures strategies for success.

Imagine that you and your family were on vacation and driving to Disney World. You mistakenly take a wrong exit. Now what?  Do you turn to the back seat and state, “Sorry kids, Dad made a mistake, guess we have to give up, (sigh) vacation’s over.” Of course not! That’s ridiculous. You’d turn around, get back on the right road and continue toward your destination. You’re not a failure if you make a mistake. You’ve only discovered the correct road to get to your goal, which is Disney World.

Suppose you did give up? Can you imagine the howls of protest you’d hear? How could you consider giving up and disappointing your family?  In the same way, your health dedication  should inspire your entire family.

1. You’re providing life lessons on self-denial, personal strength, fortitude and character.
2. You’re demonstrating examples of overcoming challenges to reach a goal.
3. You are a living example, showing them how to never give up on their dreams.

Don’t give in to temptations and Never Surrender to Satan’s whispering derogatory comments! Honor your personal temple of the Holy Spirit and continue to strive for excellence!

Corinthians 6:19  “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own?”