Expect Temptation

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13

One of the most important jobs of the U.S. Secret Service Department is protecting presidents and their families. At every moment in the President’s itinerary, no matter where he is, the primary protective goal of the Secret Service is to maintain what they call a “safe zone,” also known as the “outer perimeter,” a “zone of security,” or the “sanitation zone.” The safe zone is an actual area surrounding the President. The Secret Service desires this zone to be the size of a football field. Agents are supposed to surround the President completely, 360 degrees, whether he is stationary or moving. That way, whenever threats arise, the zone gives agents a better chance to prevent the attack or to stop it immediately.

One of the wisest and most effective ways to fight temptation is by creating a safe zone in our lives. There is no one immune to temptation. You never get too old to be tempted. You never get too good to be tempted. You never grow too strong to be tempted. Temptation is not a sin. It is not abnormal to be tempted. The first rule you have to follow if you are going to handle and defeat temptation is to expect it. You should never be taken by surprise by being tempted.

Going out into the world every day with your spiritual antenna and your spiritual radar on is half the battle of overcoming temptation. Just as the Secret Service has earpieces and microphones to listen and communicate with one another about potential threats, we must always be listening and communicating with the Holy Spirit about the possible dangers surrounding us. Navigating through this life is like walking through a field filled with hidden land mines. Sin is everywhere; therefore temptation is everywhere. Every day we should have a safe zone that we have established around our lives. This safe zone should contain boundaries that we will not cross, or allow others to cross, because we are always expecting temptation.

Have you established a safe zone around your life? Think about the areas where you are most tempted to sin. Once you have identified these areas, create some boundaries in your life to help you not fall into sin.

God, please show me the areas where I need to create a safe zone in my life. Remind me to expect temptation in these areas and help me to be ready when it comes.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.