Define Temptation

I'm scared of this word.

It conjures up all kinds of thoughts about my past.

Typically, when I realize I'm being tempted my response is to run the other way.

And in a way I'm thankful for that. I'm thankful that there are certain things that I've, by God's grace, trained myself to run from. Certain things just aren't healthy.

Recently I found out that my next sermon is on the topic of temptation. It's been making me sick to my stomach ever since. I feel like it's an invitation for temptations to come surging in during the weeks of preparation.  I'm scared that I'll find myself running from it and won't be able to do an adequate job of addressing it.

That's made me realize something. It's exhausting to run from something. You're constantly haunted by it, feeling as though you're never able to let your guard down. It makes you rather uptight. I'd say that uptight is a fairly unattractive quality.

So how do you run from something without being so uptight?

I think you run TO something. Running TO something is much more fulfilling and a lot less exhausting. It's a clear goal. It's always in sight. It isn't something creeping around behind your back.

And if running to a temptation is easier for you, then why not get tempted by the message of Jesus? Why not see the life He offers, with all of its struggle, hardship, joy, and abundance?

Can you choose which temptation to run TO? Can you define your temptation?

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