If you struggle with temptation, please know, first and foremost, that you are not alone. Everyone struggles with temptation. Temptation often appears harmless. A small compromise, a moment of indulgence. Seemingly insignificant in the moment. Yet every time we yield to temptation, we trade God's perfect peace for chaos. We trade in His lasting joy for fleeting satisfaction, and His divine purpose for utter emptiness. God warns us of this progression clearly: "Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death" (James 1:14-15).
You were not created to spend your life repeatedly losing battles with temptation. So let's dive into some tips to help us leave each tempting encounter triumphantly:
Tip #1: Remind Yourself That You Have a Choice
Although entertaining temptation is an available option, remember that you do have a choice. As simple as this sounds, it is a needed reminder, especially when you're in the thick of a tempting experience. Moments of temptation can sometimes feel overwhelming and all consuming. But know this: Any such feeling does not change the fact that, as 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us, God equipped you with power, love, and self-discipline (or as some translations note,"power, love, and self-control", or "power, love, and a sound mind")
That is not just a cute inspirational quote to post on social media. It's the empowering truth that you have power from God to overcome temptation, and you have self-control. Don't ever let tempting moments make you believe otherwise.
Jesus said in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid", and Romans 8:6 reminds us that, “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.”
Every time we say no to sin, we’re saying yes to life. Every time we resist temptation, we’re choosing wholeness, strength, and alignment with the heart of God.
Tip #2: Remind Yourself Of What's At Stake
When we decide to walk away from tempting things, people, or experiences, we ultimately end up protecting:
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Our peace—that God-given calm that surpasses all human understanding (Philippians 4:7).
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Our Actual Joy—not dependent on circumstances but rooted in relationship with Christ (John 15:11).
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Our witness—your life as a living testimony to God's transforming power (Matthew 5:16).
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Our intimacy with God—unhindered communion with your Creator (Isaiah 59:2).
And let's be honest. Depending on the kind of temptation, we could also be protecting our sanity, our health, and our life...
Jesus posed this question most powerfully: "What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?" (Mark 8:36).
"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full," Jesus declared (John 10:10). God's boundaries aren't prison walls but protective guardrails along the path to flourishing.
The compromise isn’t worth it. The gossip isn’t worth it. The grudge, the envy, the fleeting satisfaction of sin—it’s not worth it. Sleeping with that person we have no business sleeping with is not worth it. And deep down, we know it. Because while sin may look shiny on the outside, its cost is always hidden in the fine print. And that cost is always greater than advertised.
Tip #3: Draw Near to God & Pray
This is the perfect time to draw nearer to God, not go into spiritual seclusion. Not to hide in shame. God reminds us in His Word that when we draw near to Him, He reciprocates and draws near to us (James 4:8). Talk to Him about what you're experiencing. If you don't readily have the words to say, consider using the following prayer:
"Dear Lord, I feel like I am struggling with temptation right now. Please help me to walk in the peace that you've given me, instead of the chaos the world tries to get me to focus on. Help me to choose obedience over impulse. Help me to choose the truth of your Word, over lies. Lord, please help me throughout the day to remember that no temptations this world can offer will ever satisfy me like You can. Help me to remember each day that any perceived satisfaction that temptation tries to offer me is a trap, and that the unmatched satisfaction that comes from You is everlasting. Help me see temptation for what it truly is—a thief of joy, a robber of peace, a liar promising life, but delivering sorrow. Strengthen me by Your Spirit. I am Yours. And I know in my heart that giving in to this temptation is not worth it. In Jesus’ name, Amen."
Remind your soul: It’s not worth it. And it never will be. You’re worth more than temptation's cheap promises, so make it your business to conduct yourself accordingly.
Tip #4: Make An Intentional Daily Declaration
Today, declare this out loud, and within your heart, as many times as you need to so that it sinks in and resonates down in your soul:
"Today I may face temptations to compromise my integrity, to speak unkindly, to dwell on thoughts that dishonor God. I acknowledge these temptations are real, but I choose to remember they are never worth the cost. The momentary pleasure is not worth the pain that follows. The temporary relief is not worth the lasting regret. Instead, I choose to 'set my mind on things above' (Colossians 3:2). I choose to 'take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ' (2 Corinthians 10:5). I choose to 'put on the full armor of God' that I might stand firm against temptation (Ephesians 6:11). I remember that Jesus himself was 'tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin' (Hebrews 4:15). He understands my struggle and offers grace to help in my time of need. Today, I choose God's better way—not because I'm afraid of punishment, but because I love Him and trust the safety guardrails that He has lovingly put in place for me and my good. His commands are not burdensome (1 John 5:3), but life-giving. Today, I choose life."
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