How to Resist Temptation Every Day
Temptation has a way of showing up at strategic times when our defenses are low: When we’re tired, distracted, or coasting through the day on autopilot. One of the most practical ways I’ve found to resist temptation is to pay attention to what I call The Nouns in my life. These are the specific people, places, and things that tend to pull me done a road that I don’t want to go.
James puts words to how this actually works.
James 1:14-15 says, “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death” (ESV).
Temptation usually grows out of desires we’ve let sit unchecked, often stirred up by the same familiar people, places, and things.
Learn to Resist Temptation by Naming It
When I say watch the Nouns, it might be a friend who talks you into something you’ll regret later. Maybe it’s a certain place that puts you in the wrong frame of mind. It could be a habit with your phone that eats up hours you meant to spend somewhere better.
Once you can name it, you can do something about it!
Taking an honest inventory can provide clarity. When you know what pulls you off course, you can set boundaries ahead of time instead of scrambling for willpower at the last minute.
What to Do Once You See the Pattern
Naming the nouns is only half the work.
Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (ESV).
There’s always a way out. We just have to be willing to take it.
This might mean stepping away from certain conversations, changing your route home, or putting my phone in another room during family time. None of these are dramatic changes, but they can make a big difference over the long haul.
These become obedience in the small moments, that add up to a life that looks more like Jesus.
You Can Resist Temptation Starting Today
You don’t need a five step program to get started, but here’s a quick plan:
- Grab a notebook or open your phone.
- Write down the people, places, and things that show up right before you make a choice you regret.
- Ask God for wisdom, to give you boundaries for each item.
- Implement them one at a time, starting this week.
Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts
- What “nouns” in your life tend to pull you toward temptation?
- How have you set boundaries to resist temptation in the past?
- What’s one small step you can take today to start paying attention to what tempts you?
