TEMPTATION

Keeping sanctified demands that we overcome the varied temptations of life.

We need, furthermore, to be forearmed against temptation by remembering its great purpose in our probation. James utters a startling word when be says: "Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations." But he gives a reason for this strange exhortation when he says "that the trying of your faith worketh patience."

Temptation is a process of discipline. There is no substitute for it in developing our spiritual nature, whether it be the temptation of testing that God directly brings to the believer (Heb. 11:17), or the soliciting to evil which comes from the devil, which God allows. The fact is the same; it is for our spiritual bettering. These experiences of varied nature are not inviting in themselves, and pleasant, but they result in that which reveals their value (Heb. 12:11). The writer to the Hebrews further emphasizes the "profit" of what he calls being "chastened," in that it is that "we might be partakers of His holiness" (Heb. 12:10).

Temptation, then, is to be expected, and we should be prepared for it. And indeed, while not sought, it should be welcomed; and we are assured it shall not be too severe for our faith. (1 Cor. 10:13).