To do somethings someway 2

Last week, we covered the matter of compromise. We shall do same today.

Before David called for Bathsheba, David could have done what Joseph did and completely run from the scene of temptation. Before Eve "saw" that the fruit was good for food, Eve could have stayed as far away from that tree as possible. Before Judas betrayed Jesus, he could have spent time meditating on Jesus' sermons concerning money. That way, his lust for it might not have been so strong.

What point do we seek to make? Sometimes, there's something you can do, a part you can play. Sometimes, we are well able to avoid the situation. Sometimes, we are better off avoiding that social group, TV series, book, place, or avenue where we know we could be heavily tempted into compromise.

The goal is not to carry the burden of successfully avoiding temptation. That would be one heavy package for your shoulders. Many of us are bombarded with temptations even when we are walking on the path of light. Jesus was tempted by the devil, and we know that we cannot say to Jesus, "what were you doing there at that time?" because everything he did was holy. Joseph was faced with sexual temptation while going about his daily duties, he wasn’t out there trying to find it, yet it came to him in the form of an unfaithful wife. Good people can get tempted while doing good things. However, The Lord is well able to grant his children victory. And even if his child falls, Jesus is able to make him stand again. For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again (Proverbs 24:16). And it says about Christians: For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21). We know that because of God’s great love, …now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— ²² the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. (Romans 3:21-22).

So do not despair when you fall. However, in times where you are able to flee, do avoid when you can. Flee when you can. Say no to that invitation when you can. Exit that group if you must. Still, if you fall, trust that grace abounds. As a matter of fact, rely on grace even for those things you are confident you can do on your own, because Peter said to Jesus, "Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away", yet he said again, "I do not know the man!" while Jesus was being led to his death. Despite his actions, Jesus forgave him. So, if you fall today, remember that his grace and mercies abound. Still, when tomorrow awakes, and you find that you are well able to run before the door of evil opens, get on your marks, get set, and run!