Years ago I heard a story about a wealthy woman who advertised for a new driver. She asked the three applicants this question: “How close to a cliff could you drive?”
The first man said he could drive within an inch of the edge of the cliff. The second made the same claim. The third said, “I really couldn’t tell you because I try to keep as far away from danger as I can.”
How would you answer her question? Whom do you think she hired?
There is a lesson in this story for all of us. Let’s say the edge of the cliff is temptation. Do we risk getting as close to the edge as possible without thinking of the possibility of falling off? Or do we stay away from danger?
We all have weaknesses. If we know what our weaknesses are, perhaps we should avoid putting ourselves in situations where we would be tempted to succumb to them. For example:
- If we are tempted to overeat, we should probably stay away from Hometown Buffet.
- If we are alcoholics, we should probably stay away from bars.
- If we are drug addicts, we should probably stay away from drug addicts.
- If we are shopaholics, we should probably cut up our credit cards and stay away from Macy’s.
- If we have a gambling problem, we should stay away from Vegas.
- If we are depressed, we should stay away from negative people.
Speaking of negative people, remember that who we hang around with makes a difference. We want people in our lives supporting our decision to stay away from temptation, not adding to our problems. “Bad company corrupts good character.” (1 Corinthians 15:33 NLT)
Consider this… Temptations will always be around. After all, even Jesus was tempted by the devil. In fact Hebrew 4:15 says, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet he did not sin.” So Jesus knows what we are going through.
Today’s culture is particularly ripe with enticements and each day we face a myriad of opportunities to do what in our hearts we know is wrong. However, how many of us when given a choice purposefully come as close to the edge of temptation as possible thinking we won’t fall off?
Remember that it is easier to avoid temptation than overcome it. In speaking of paths of the wicked the Bible says: “Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.” (Proverbs 4:15) I think the same would apply to temptation. In other words, stay as far away from danger as you can!
Suggestions for practicing this choice…
- Stay close to God through prayer and Bible study.
- Pray about specific weakness and/or temptations and then look up what the Bible says about it. For example, if you are prone to lose your temper then not only pray about it but do a Bible study on anger.
- If you are tempted then flee temptation. (1 Corinthians 6:18) Think, “Run, Forest, Run!”
- Remember that God won’t allow you to be tempted above what you are able to handle. (1 Corinthians 10:13) Of course, as one person said, “I just wish God didn’t have so much confidence in me.”
- Be careful not to invite temptation by going places where you know you will have problems resisting. When you are invited to such places learn to say, “No thank you. I have other plans.” Such as your plan is not to go where you know you’ll be tempted. Like the old joke says: A man tells the doctor, “I broke my arm in two places.” The doctor says, “Well, you better stay out of those places!”
