Temptation is a challenge that is endemic to all people. Though it comes in different forms and at varying strengths for individual people, it is an ever-present force in the human experience. The Bible tells us that this is both because of wrongful desires within us and because of dark spiritual forces outside us inciting us to follow those desires. Temptation comes from within and from outside ourselves.

But even if the desire to sin is always present with us, God speaks clearly that we are to resist those desires in favor of more noble and more righteous ones. Like God said to Cain, "Sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it" (Gen. 4:7). And the Lord told Peter, "Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail" (Lk. 22:31-32). And to the disciples who were sleeping on the night of his crucifixion, the Lord said, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation." (Lk. 22:40)

This is one of most basic requirements of Jesus' disciples. But if we're honest with ourselves, many of us know how deceptive, how powerful, and how enticing our own temptations are. And so we wonder, "How do I do it? Does God really expect me to resist this all the time? I'm not sure I have the strength to overcome it, especially forever."

But here's a bit of good news that is familiar to many Bible believers and reassuring to all:

"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."
(1 Cor. 10:13)

Sometimes, Bible believers, including this author, have paraphrased this promise a little too much. We have said, "You see? God won't give you more than you can handle." The problem is that this lacks the specificity of the Holy Spirit's point, and it thereby takes away the power of his words. Notice the actual promise that God makes: There will always be a way of escape from temptation.

And this is the confidence that we need on our side. It is a targeted promise: You will have the ability to resist temptation, and the power that you will have is God's gift to you. So the question that we have to ask is not so much, "Am I strong enough to be faithful all the time?" The answer to that is, "Yes." God has promised that it will be so. And so the question that we have to answer is, "Do I believe in him? Do I truly believe that he will keep this promise and strengthen me to overcome all temptation?" If I do, then I must believe that it's possible to repent from sin, to turn toward God, and to fight off temptation through the whole of life. My confidence is not in myself, but in him who strengthens me.

- Dan Lankford, minister

You can't cheat consistency. Whether it's in developing a new skill, learning a language, getting stronger and fitter, or building a long-term meaningful relationship with someone; there are is not substitute for consistent training & routine practice.

The same is true of discipleship. You can't create spiritual strength, learn to skillfully handle the word of God, or develop a rich long-term relationship with him without some consistent habits. And there are two habits that rise to the top for their usefulness: Prayer and Bible reading.

I know that preachers seem to harp on these two spiritual disciplines a lot, and many believers become frustrated with the repetition of these simple admonitions. But there's a reason for the repeated encouragement: these habits work. And it is this author's belief that the reason why many believers become frustrated with it is because they are looking for a cheat—some way to circumvent the consistency that is required for these habits to really achieve their greatest effect. The complaint almost never comes from saints who already have consistent habits of prayer and Bible reading. In fact, they are typically all the more enthusiastic in encouraging others to take up these same routines, because their lives and their faith are a testament to the effectiveness of consistent reading and prayer.

So don't discount the power of these simple activities. Make a point of practicing them daily; consistently. And let God's Spirit do his work in you. God may use additional channels to give increase to your faith as well, but if you want to purposefully cultivate spiritual growth in yourself, remember: You can't cheat consistency.

- Dan Lankford, minister

"As soon as Solomon finished his prayer, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple... When all the people of Israel saw the fire come down and the glory of the LORD on the temple, they bowed down with their faces to the ground on the pavement and worshiped and gave thanks to the LORD." (2 Chron. 7:1, 3)

It was the grand opening of the Temple—a place for God's people to approach his presence for forgiveness and worship. What a day! There were big crowds, the excitement of new things, festivities and feasts, great speeches and important teachings... and then God's presence was actually seen among them! It must have been an intense moment of spiritual excitement for them; one that they went home from with rich feelings of devotion and passion for their God.

I have had moments like those in my life, and many other Christians have too. As believers, we love the times when our spirits are reinvigorated and we feel a renewed sense of urgency about serving God. They are times when our passion for faithfulness swells to new levels, and we ought to thank him for those times. They are a joy and a privilege; a blessing given by God, often just at the moment when we need it most. Those moments are a gift for which we should be grateful!

Right on the heels of all of that, it's wise for us to think and answer this question: When the high-intensity feelings are gone, how will we continue to walk with God in the more mundane elements of daily life? This question deserves an answer because newness wears off of everything, crowds eventually go home, and normal life eventually has to resume its daily course. So when all of that happens and spiritual life is back to being normal life, will we still exhibit the same faithfulness to God?

High points and daily routines both have their rightful place in Christian life, as long as handle them faithfully. The spiritual highs remind us of the scale and splendor of God's power and they draw us toward him. And daily, 'normal' devotion gives us the ability to enjoy those high points without depending on them. It's the ability to balance both of these elements of Christian life that helps us live the fullest Christian experience.

So, if you're in a season of life where you're experiencing awe and excitement in Christ, enjoy it. Maybe you're learning the truth for the first time, maybe you're building brand new relationships, or maybe you're getting great spiritual experiences like Bible college or camp that rejuvenate your spirit. If so, enjoy them and thank God for them! And if you're in a season of life where you're putting in the daily work of discipleship, keep at it. Keep seeking him, keep growing, and keep following Jesus ever more closely.

- Dan Lankford, minister