Morning Moments

COMMON TO MAN

I have so many Christian friends who live in denial. They have an superfical and unrealistic and unbiblical understanding of life and refused to face up to truth and reality. I would like to give some examples, but first consider Paul's words to the Corinthians:


1Cor 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Look carefully at the text that deals with temptation of testing and focus on the words COMMON TO MAN. We must first understand that whatever Paul is referring to here, everybody faces it. The word means, human; characteristic of mankindA Concise Greek-English Dictionary of the New Testament. So whether one is a believer or an unbeliever he/she is face with this commonality.

But what is it that everybody faces? Temptation or Testing which is a neutral word with no moral significance in and of itself. It is a putting to proof (by experiment [of good], experience [of evil], solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication adversityStrong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary. So the context will always determine whether it is a test of a temptation.

So we all must face trials, tests, and temptation. The temptation comes from the enemy during the test or trial. It is as if you were a student taking an exam and in the midst of the exam, having a desire to look on someone else's paper. The problem is NOT in the TEST, it is in the TEMPTATION.

This verse says that God has provided a way for us to escape the temptation. He does not say we avoid the trial or test which is common to all but he does say we can avoid yielding to the temptation to cheat in the midst of the test.

Well then, what is the way to escape for us? It is simple. So simple that most of us miss it. It is the grace to say NO to ungodliness and worldly cravings. That's It and it is amazingly simple. That is God's way of providing a way to escape.

Think of it this way, you are driving your car along the road and see a sign which reads "road out ahead". You have a choice. You may pull over, turn around, or keep going praying that God will protect you and forgive you if your stupidity takes you into the ditch.

Some of us ignore the sign saying to ourselves, "Oh God will take care of me." We keep going until we find ourselves wrecked. Now don't blame God for you silly denial and lack of intelligence to read and heed the sign.

Some of us just pull of the road and wait. We do not look for a detour, but just sit on the side of the road in utter frustration that we have had to stop. We did not have to stop and we did not have to continue. All that is necessary is to FOLLOW THE WAY OUT AND KEEP MOVING.

We make the Christ life so hard, but remember God design it for a little child who in simple trust and obedience will stay on course, read the signs, follow the detour when necessary and come out safe and sound.

DON'T ARGUE...JUST DO IT!

BLESSINGS!