Divine Help Promised for Temptation

1903

Temptation to evil is a matter in which our personal moral fiber is involved, just as in a trial through suffering our powers of endurance are tested. What is your attitude toward evil? Is it one of apology and condonement? How perilous! Is it one easy familiarity? God pity your weakness! We have a duty to ourselves. Luther used to say: "We cannot keep the birds from flying around our heads, but we can prevent them from building their nests in our hair." We may not be able to keep temptation away, but we need not let it in the house. We should not expect God to lock the door and keep His hand upon it. We are the doorkeeper of our own souls.

Naturalists tell us that the scorpion will never use his sting, of which he is exceedingly careful, unless he can find a spot on the body of his desired victim sufficiently soft to admit its insertion without fear of injury. Temptation never assails the soul except at vulnerable points. Our own lusts determine the spots which the enemy strikes.

But fortunately the whole burden of resisting temptation to evil does not rest with us. Divine help is promised. "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask God." Wisdom is called by a sound writer "the art of Christian conduct." That art can be acquired of Christ Himself. He was tempted in all points as we are, yet without sin. He can and will impart the power of successful resistance. Moreover, there is specific promise in the premises. "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to men, but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able, but will also with the temptation make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." For him that endures there is the blessed crown of life. – Rev. George P. Eckman, pastor of St. Paul's M.E. Church, New York City.