Temptation

Its amazing how it all started out with two individuals, a garden, an apple and a serpent. That's where it all began... Temptation.

temp-ta-tion  (noun)
 /tɛmpˈteɪʃən/ Pronunciation [temp-tey-shuhn]
1. the act of tempting; enticement or allurement.
2. something that tempts, entices, or allures.
3. the fact or state of being tempted, esp. to evil.

Prior to last night's Transitions, I wasn't actively thinking about where the hidden temptations lie in my life. I was more wrapped up in past temptations and past choices; wanting to make sure that I don't repeat the same past errors. However, I became unmindful of the minor and major temptations I face on a daily basis. Like, the temptation to not wake up early, to not pray in the morning, to not read my Bible, to not grade homework, to choose the unhealthy meal over the healthy meal... the list goes on and on. As Shaina had me realize in retrospect, temptation doesn't have to be as obvious as sexual, narcotic, or other "red flag" temptations. It can simply be anything that takes me away from God and His purpose for my life.

The Lust of the Eye
The Lust of the Flesh
The Pride of Life

So now that I realize this, what's my next step?
Temptations are daily and constant. And oblivion and oversight is just another trap to bring one further into temptation. Yes, I have to understand where some of my major pitfalls have been in the past. But I cannot let my fear of making the same mistakes again lead me into new errors. Last night was a reminder to be mindful of the past while conscious of my present. I must search my heart regularly and surrender all that is within me- good, bad, and indifferent, to God. Only He can protect me.

Now to fight the temptation to be a lazy-mc-lazy pants and be productive today... after a meal and a nap lol.