The Lord gave me this topic three months ago, and I had planned to write a post on temptation around March, but then Coronavirus became a big issue, and I kept moving it to the back of my list of topics. Well, Coronavirus isn’t going away any time soon it appears. I will continue to give uplifting messages to get us through this crisis as God gives them -but He put this topic on my mind to write now. My first thought is that people should be doing the right things as much as possible in light of this painful period of our life, but as we know, somethings in this world won’t change because of a virus. Temptation comes about because we lose focus on what we should be practicing in our life. It can lead to a trail of devastation.

When we think of temptation, we often think of an individual tempted to become involved with another individual in a negative situation. Temptation can also be a solo act. What do I mean? Since we are spending more time in our homes, we may, for example, become tempted to practice poor eating habits and to pay less attention to our pre-Coronavirus health needs.  I should hope that people would not jeopardize their home life by trying to seek the companionship of someone outside of their home- a little challenging to do if social distancing is occurring and a little crazy too. Therefore, putting that aside right now, let’s focus on temptation as a solo act. Think about your behavior since this pandemic has invaded our lives. Has your focus changed from a healthy self- preservation perspective to one of less concern? Everyone has worries about contracting Coronavirus. That is everyone’s nightmare, but I have heard many warnings to the public about neglecting pre-existing health issues.

I know being in the house usually makes us desire more of the things we love to eat rather than the healthy choices we should be eating. Being homebound day after day can be challenging, especially when there is no specific time for the situation to end. Yes, most governors have relaxed their stay at home orders, which allow most businesses to open and people to get back out in society. Still, for many of us, myself included, I am not ready to resume various activities that were once a typical day to day routine. Let this post serve as a reminder that we have to be aware and mindful of things that may creep into our new norm and ultimately lead to devastation. I used the example of eating because I hear people talking about eating more since they are home with disregard for thinking of the outcome. I have reminded several individuals to be mindful of their eating habits due to health issues they have.

As I have stated previously, this is not when we want to go to the emergency room or hospital for something that we could have avoided. If you have an emergency, seek medical attention immediately, but let’s try our best to stay as healthy as possible. If you have diabetes, should you bake and eat sweets day after day? If you have hypertension, should you continue to ingest those foods that will raise your blood pressure? We must use wisdom and common sense. Let’s not be tempted to develop unhealthy habits in ourselves. Just as we need to form stable relationships with others, we must have a good relationship within our self. Love yourself enough to take care of you. Do the things that enhance your life and help you to be productive. Don’t be tempted to do what feels good in the beginning, but ultimately is harmful. Don’t allow this pandemic or anyone to sway you to follow the road of temptation to devastation. What we practice or do now will eventually impact our lives, and may impact others.

Again, I am not sure why God is prompting me to discuss temptation in the midst of what is going on, but He knows the reason. If you or someone you know is moving toward the temptation to do anything that is not in line with God’s principles of holiness, don’t take that road, avoid it at all costs. Travel on another road that leads to life, joy, and God’s abundant blessings. Watch what you eat, exercise, and stay as healthy as possible, and don’t be tempted to resume doing what you did before the pandemic so quickly. Continue to practice social distancing to slow down the spread of this pestilence. Do your part, and God will do His part to keep you whole during this pandemic. Beware of temptation! Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned? Proverbs 6:28. Next week I will be starting a new series under the heading “Tough Question.” If you have any tough relationship questions you would like discussed, please submit them through my contact page on this blog, and I will gladly use them in future posts. I’ll be back next week with a new post, Tough Question: “Should Christian Women Utilize Online Dating Services?”

Be encouraged, and God bless!

Sister Jackie