How Do I Start Doing Things Jesus’ Way?

Do you ever want to do something even though you know it’s wrong?

For three years, everything about Jesus’ life was uncomfortable. He shared uncomfortable truths with people in power, endured daily attacks from His critics, and regularly heard about plots to kill Him. However, early in His story, He received an offer to skip past all the suffering and take an easier route.

For 40 days, Jesus spent time alone in the desert fasting. While He was vulnerable, the devil offered Him an easy way to escape suffering.

We’re tempted when we’re offered a shortcut to something we want. Feeling tempted isn’t a sin.

But giving in to temptation can compromise our integrity and lead to a painful cycle of poor choices.

Jesus’ spiritual practices helped Him overcome temptation.

Jesus knew the Bible, and He knew His purpose. Jesus knew that living out His purpose would include making hard, uncomfortable choices for the good of others. Only by making those choices could He change the world. There were no easy ways out and no shortcuts. Jesus refused to compromise His identity and His calling for momentary pleasure or relief.

We face temptations every day that can distract us from who we’re becoming, but be encouraged! God wants to help you overcome temptation!

Read what one Bible-writer had to say about temptation: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. 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 endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV).

Let’s be like Jesus and prepare for temptation before it strikes. We do this by:

• Studying, believing, and living out God’s truths in the Bible.
• Asking God for help through prayer.
• Looking for the opportunities God provides to escape temptation.
• Sharing vulnerably with people we trust.

Sometimes the opportunity God provides can look like joining a recovery group, talking with a healthcare professional, or meeting with a pastor to find the tools you need to experience freedom, but beating temptation always starts with prayer.

You can pray with your own words, or try these: Dear God, thank You for always offering me another chance. Help me to recognize and resist temptation when it comes. In Jesus’ name, amen.