How to Flee Temptation

06/18/21 to 06/28/21

Responding to Temptation with Truth

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  06/25/21

If you believe in God, you have probably experienced times of doubt and questioning. You have wondered if He really is wise and perfect, if He really wants the best for you, if He really loves you, or if His commands are truly good and worthy of your obedience. You may have questioned whether God is telling you the Truth or whether He really is God.

Jesus said He is “the way and the truth and the life”—the only path to God the Father (John 14:6). But what if that is a lie? What if there are many paths to God? What if there is no heaven nor hell? What if we are simply reincarnated and keep coming back to live a succession of lives—the quality of which depends on the karma we accumulate?

Such questions tempt, intoxicate, and lure us. These suggestions and questions ultimately come to us from one source: the serpent in the Garden of Eden—Satan himself.

Bowing to alternative views that appeal to us has always been a temptation. We refuse to believe there is only one way of salvation, only one way to the Father. We choose to believe there are many paths to God.

Why? Because if there are many paths to God instead of just one, then we can willfully and selfishly choose the path we want. We can live the way we want and never be held accountable by God. We can choose a religion that appeals to our own pride and vanity.

Have you been tempted to believe that God has lied to you and that there is more than one way of salvation? Recognize that just as the serpent deceived Eve, Satan is trying to deceive anyone who will believe his lies.

You don’t have to fall for his deception. You can know the Truth, and God’s Truth will set you free (see John 8:32).

Prayer: Father, forgive me for ever doubting that there is only one path to You: Jesus Christ. Help me to recognize the lies and deceptions of Satan and to stand firm on the Truth. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).