Trials
and Temptations
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you
face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith
produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be
mature and complete, not lacking anything.
The Spirit-filled life does not mean a problem-free life. There
are two characteristics the distinguish Spirit-filled Christ followers from
other Christians and unbelievers. First, they are not controlled by their
circumstances and second, they refocus quickly after having sinned. Even when
we meet with disappointment, our spiritual joy isn’t diminished under stress.
Anyone can be loving, kind, and self-controlled in seasons of
blessing. But what happens to our attitude in trying times? The real test of
who we are occurs not when things are going our way but when misfortune shows
up. We learn four things when the Spirit is in charge: to love when we want to
hate; to practice kindness when we are accused; to respond gently when others
are harsh; and to have self-control when temptation strikes hard.
None us will do this perfectly because there is still “self”
within use. But when we sin, we will respond quickly to the Spirit’s promptings
by recognizing our wrong actions, confess it, and refocus on God’s ways.
If you are a Christ-follower, who is in control of your life?
Be
blessed and be a blessing!
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