So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. 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 stand up under it. 1 Corinthians 10:12-13
"What settings are you in when you fall? Avoid them. What props do you have that support your sin? Eliminate them. What people are you usually with? Avoid them. There are two equally damning lies Satan wants us to believe 1) Just once won't hurt 2) Now that you have ruined your life, you are beyond God's use, and you might as well enjoy sinning. Learn to say no. It will be of more use to you than to be able to read Latin." - Charles Spurgeon
No one sets out to fall or fail. However, we don't often realize the wisdom in identifying those temptations to fail and then avoiding them. Ask yourself the following questions to determine what temptations you need to avoid.
- Identify what causes you to fail in your effort to get out of debt. Is it the mall, eating out, shopping on-line, what is it for you?
- Identify supports your growing debt balance. Is it too many credit credit cards, the home equity line, that line of credit protecting your account from overdrawing?
- Identify what people add to your tendency to spend more than you make. Are there people you want to impress? People that you must do certain costly activities with?
Identifying as many temptations and methods of avoidance upfront will equip you for success. When we find ourselves unexpectedly tempted, God will provide a way out.
Action: Make a list today of the people, places, and things that encourage you either 1) to go further in debt or 2) to spend money that could be used to get out of debt. Avoid them for a month and check your results.
Prayer: Dear Lord, Thank you for your faithfulness and for providing a way out of temptation. Give me a pure and humble heart that is ready to follow you.
