Light for the Humble

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“Blessed are we when we endure temptation, because when we have been tested, we will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12)

God does not promise to shield me from temptation. When truth truly takes hold of my heart, I find myself in conflict. There are opposing forces, even within my own home and within my own heart, in my private circle of friends, in my Church, and nothing but God’s Holy Educating Spirit can give me victory.

When I begin to give in to temptation, it starts whenever I allow my mind to waver—because then my trust in God becomes inconsistent. The enemy is always watching for a chance to misrepresent God and draw my attention to what is forbidden. If he can, he will fix my mind on worldly things. He tries to stir my emotions, awaken my passions, and attach my affections to things that are not good for me. But I must keep every emotion and passion under control, calmly submitting them to reason and to the mind of Christ. When I do this, Satan loses his power over my mind. This is why Scripture admonishes:

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:” (Phil 2:3-5, NIV)

The work Christ calls me to is a steady, ongoing victory over the manifold evil in my character. I must overcome my natural tendencies. My appetites and passions must be brought under control, and my will must be fully placed on the side of Christ. And this kind of control is not something I am able to do.

I pray, “Father, do not lead me into temptation,” but too often I fail to guard my own steps, in the ways He calls me to. With His help, I must avoid the situations where I know I am weak. Through Christ’s grace, I am responsible for taking action. For removing the obstacles that have caused me and others so much pain.

Temptation and trial will come to me, but I do not have to be defeated. My Savior has already overcome on my behalf. (John 16:33). Satan is not all-powerful. Christ was tempted in all things that we are so that He would know exactly how to help me today, when I am tempted. Temptation itself is not sin. The sin is in giving in. Letting it take my mind off of Jesus. When I trust in Jesus, temptation becomes an opportunity for victory and for gaining greater strength.

“Let this mind be in [me], which was also in Christ Jesus.” If [I] strive in all humility to understand what is the mind of Christ, [I] will not be left in darkness. Jesus says, “[Those] that follow Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” {by EGW, 7BC 903.3}

“God’s holy, educating Spirit is in His word. A light, a new and precious light, shines forth from every page. Truth is there revealed, and words and sentences are made bright and appropriate for the occasion, as the voice of God speaking to the soul.” {by EGW, COL 132.2}