Temptation is not sin

Have you ever been tempted in some way and even though you didn’t give in to it you “felt” guilty. It’s not a new question whether temptation is a sin or not. Temptation itself is not sin. It is though not something to be dismissed or taken lightly. Temptation is powerful. I bought a house trailer brand new and put it at our farm. When I moved in even though it was new it was full of mice. So I started trapping. I caught them all by using bait to lure them into the traps. Temptation. But there was one mouse. This little fella wasn’t taking the bait. I tried everything to lure him in but he resisted. He knew the dangers. James 1: 14-15 says but when we are tempted we are dragged away by our own evil desires and enticed. Then when desire is conceived it gives birth to sin. Sin when it full grown gives birth to death. The mouse that couldn’t resist the cheese died. The cheese didn’t kill him. It was allowing his desire for the cheese to rule over him and eating the cheese that got him. The one that ran away from the cheese lived. We are just like the mice. We have a choice. Do we give into our desires or run? Even Jesus was tempted by satan but he resisted. The temptation wasn’t sin. So how do we get the strength to resist? Hebrews 2:18 talking about Jesus it says” because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those that are being tempted. “So in then heat of the moment pray to Jesus for help. In Genesis 39 a Godly man named Joseph was tempted by another mans wife to sleep with her and she grabbed his clothes and he tore them running away from her. When tempted get away from what is tempting you!! Run!! Psalm 119:11 says I have treasured your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Study study study God’s word. It will give you power to resist temptation!! There is no enticing thing, no matter what it is, that is worth the pain it will cause the moment the temporary pleasure has passed. Sin is death. Temptation is not sin. Jesus is life. Run from temptation. Run to Jesus!! Be the mouse that got away and lived!! Dear Jesus, thank you for your help, your example, and your powerful word!! Help us to recognize temptation and when we see to run from it!! God bless you all this day!!