Why is it so hard to resist that temptation? Rutgers University recently received nearly four million dollars from the National Institute of Mental Health to study the issue. A Rutgers professor explained, “Improving the ability to resist temptations, urges and cravings is central to successfully managing many mental health disorders, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood.”¹

The university might do better to open the pages of the Bible. There we learn we have a fallen nature, and James 1:14-15 explains it perfectly: “Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death” (NLT).

When Joseph was tempted by Potiphar’s wife, he ran away from the temptation. He did it because he had awakened to the righteous life God expected of Him. As we grow in our awareness of the righteous life God intends for us, we’ll be better equipped to resist temptation. It doesn’t take a university study; it takes a strong dose of the Holy Spirit!

In all temptations let us consider not what he offers, but what we shall lose.
Richard Sibbes