Unfortunately, temptation is often a part of life.

Some people are tempted to over-spend or worry too much. Some are tempted to engage in habits they know dishonour God. Some people are tempted to laziness or excessive screen time. It really just depends on the person.

Recently I was reading the book of James and came across this: “each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed” (James 1:14).

It’s part of a larger argument which says that temptations don’t come from God. So if you’re feeling tempted about something, don’t blame him.

Instead, realize that you’re being “dragged away” by your “own evil desire.” In other words, it’s on you—not God!

That’s why we need to turn our temptations over to God as soon as they enter our mind.

The very moment you feel an ungodly temptation starting to snarl, pray immediately and ask God to re-direct you. Then, re-direct whatever you’re doing in another direction.

Dealing with temptation isn’t always easy. We live in a world of distraction and do-whatever-makes-you-happy-because-you-deserve-it. Choke!

But temptations that dishonour God are, in the end, never truly satisfying. He wants so much more for us.

So the very moment you feel an ungodly temptation starting to snarl, pray immediately and ask God to re-direct you. Then, re-direct whatever you’re doing in another direction.

By Matthew Ruttan

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.