Windows On The Soul

C.S.Lewis suggests that Satan does not tempt us with repulsive things, but rather temptation offers the subtle choices between what we want to do and what we ought to do (" The Screwtape Letters "). When God created the world, He saw that it was good. The devil, being less than God, does not create; rather his work is of pale imitations and distortions of God's good works. God's will is for our proper, moderated care, use and enjoyment of His creation. But as our natural wills are not fully aligned with God's, we are constantly tempted toward improper, immoderate, uncaring misuse of His good gifts. Self-respect, necessary for our growth as children of God, when used as an 'end' instead of a 'means', becomes pride. Self-love, the model of our love of others, misguided, becomes selfishness. Appreciation of beauty, immoderately, becomes lust and avarice. Natural appetites excessively fed, become greed and gluttony. William Booth knew that temptation...

Temptation is one of those words that over the years has become associated only with its negative connotations. Temptation is not a sin, its our response that might be. Not only is temptation usually thought of as a negative influence, but also as something that happens to us. Temptation is essentially neutral, being an attraction or test, good or bad. I would further suggest that most often we "tempt" ourselves, by the "attractive" things with which we surround ourselves. Temptation feeds on itself - attraction begets desire and if fulfilled, increases the attraction - that is human nature. But we have self-will - by surrounding ourselves with things that are just, pure and lovely, we can make these "temptations" work for good. As H.E.Fosdick put it, we should allow ourselves to be "Tempted to be Christian". ---xxxXxxx--- Phil.4:8 "Whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, good report, virtue and praise, think on these...

Lord, what a relief when I discovered that temptation is not a sin! To know that I am in the company of the highest (and lowest) when tempted, even you yourself Jesus, I gain strength and encouragement. Thank-you Lord for your protection in not allowing me to be tempted beyond my means - help me Lord to realise the full capacity of the armoury at my disposal. Lord help me to realise that every temptation over-come is a cause for joy, of building up my character, a step along the path of obedience. Let me be "tempted" instead, by your grace, your love, your holiness, your beauty." ---===X===--- Eph.6:10-13 "Be strong in the Lord...stand against the wiles of the devil...resist the enemy" Eph.6:14-18 "...with truth...righteousness...peace..." Rom.6:13 "Don't yield to sin...give yourself to God...an instrument of righteousness" 1 Cor.10:13 "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to all people. God will not...