Tempted? Here are 15 strategies for overcoming temptation …

One of the largest freshwater turtles is the alligator snapping turtle. Found primarily in the southeastern United States, these massive turtles have been known to weigh close to 250 pounds. They are carnivorous, and while their diet is primarily fish, they have been known to eat almost anything else they can find in the water — even in a few cases small alligators! The alligator snapping turtle relies on a uniquely deceitful method of foraging for fish.

The turtle will lie completely still on the floor of a lake or river with its mouth wide open. At the end of the turtle’s tongue is a small, pink, worm-shaped appendage. The turtle wiggles the end of its tongue so that it looks like a worm moving through the water. When a fish comes to eat the worm, the turtle’s jaws rapidly close, trapping the fish so that it cannot escape.

Similarly to the snapping turtle’s lure, temptation comes in the guise of something desirable, but it always carries destruction with it in the end. If we could see the end result rather than the tempting part, it would be far easier to resist. But Satan knows this, so he cleverly disguises what is deadly in the guise of something pleasurable. To avoid temptation, Christians need to equip themselves with effective strategies for avoiding or overcoming temptation. Here are 15 strategies gleaned from scripture:

Rely on God’s strength by recognizing that you can endure all circumstances through Christ. Paul provides a personal example in Philippians 4:12-13 says, “I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”

Use scripture not only to counter temptations but also to meditate on it and embed it in your heart. Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Meditating on God’s Word helps to internalize it, guiding your thoughts and actions towards righteousness.

Prayer is vital for staying connected to God and seeking His guidance and strength to avoid falling into sinful behaviors. As Matthew 6:13 teaches, “And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.”

Avoid situations leading to temptation by steering clear of places, people, or activities that may lead you astray. Proverbs 4:14-15 advises, “Don’t do as the wicked do, and don’t follow the path of evildoers. Don’t even think about it; don’t go that way. Turn away and keep moving.”

Stay accountable and engage in fellowship within the church. Sharing your struggles with trusted friends or mentors provides support and prayer, while being part of a supportive church family encourages and strengthens you in your walk with God. James 5:16 tells us, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” Hebrews 10:24-25 adds, “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”

Focus on righteousness by filling your mind with what is good and honorable. Philippians 4:8 encourages, “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”

Trust God’s promises, knowing that He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can handle and will provide a way out. 1 Corinthians 10:13 reassures, “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”

Guard your heart and mind by being mindful of what you consume and think about, as your thoughts and feelings shape your actions. Proverbs 4:23 instructs, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”

Renew your mind by letting God transform your thinking and focusing on His will, which strengthens you against worldly temptations. Romans 12:2 says, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

Flee from temptation by actively running from things that stimulate sinful desires. 2 Timothy 2:22 advises, “Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.”

Put on the full armor of God, which includes various elements that provide spiritual protection. Ephesians 6:11-17 explains, “Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

Resist the devil by actively opposing temptation and standing firm in your faith. James 4:7 tells us, “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Keep a watchful spirit by staying alert and prayerful, helping you recognize and resist temptation before it takes hold. Mark 14:38 warns, “Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

Live by the Spirit by depending on the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength, helping you overcome any sinful wants and align your desires with God’s will. Galatians 5:16 advises, “So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.”

Intentionally, genuinely worshiping God during times of temptation can turn your mind and heart away from the tug toward sin and back fully to God. Psalm 34:1-4 says, “I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together. I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.”

In Luke 17:1a, Jesus noted, “There will always be temptations to sin …” but through Him, there is no reason to allow temptation to overcome you, as Romans 6:6-7 reminds us, “We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ, we were set free from the power of sin.”

Live in the freedom Christ has given you!

Scotty