Written by Pastor Jack Wellman– Rick Warren
One Second at a Time
You’ve heard the saying, “One day at a time,” but think about resisting temptation like this; every second you resist temptation is victory over that sin, and the more you resist temptation, the more you are like Christ. We’ll never be sinless this side of heaven, but we will be striving to sin less! You can have victory over temptation if you try to make it one second at a time.
Hiding God’s Word in our Hearts
The psalmist shows great wisdom in writing, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11). What he is saying is that He has memorized Scripture so that he might not fall into sin. Here’s an example. I have memorized Job 31:1 which says “I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I gaze at a virgin” (Job 31:1)? When I see an improper image or am tempted to look lustfully at a woman, I immediately turn my eyes away. That’s because Job 31:1 comes to mind because I have memorized that verse “that I might not sin against” God.
A Lifelong Process
Please don’t get too discouraged when you fall into sin because sanctification or growing in holiness is a lifelong process. It’s not an overnight thing. That’s not humanly possible, but think about this; if you’re struggling to overcome sin, that’s great, because those who aren’t the children of God don’t even think twice about sinning. The struggle is a great sign that you’re trying to live a holy life. That’s the Holy Spirit working in you.
Conclusion
Remember the next time you’re tempted that “Every time you defeat a temptation, you become more like Jesus,” and that may mean you can resist temptation, if only one second at a time; if you hide or memorize God’s Word; and realize that it’s going to be a battle that lasts all our life.
