James 1: 13-15
When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
I spent three days at home, doing nothing but read novels. What can I say? I just love reading. While there seems to be nothing wrong with this ‘innocent’ hobby, little did I know that I’m allowing idolatry to take root. Why? I got so caught up with reading novels that I neglected doing other things during my time off.
God deserves our undivided attention but usually, we only give Him what is left of our time–a spare. And though I thought of saying that I was being tempted, it wasn’t as if I’m not aware of the schemes of the enemy. Reading had been one of my weaknesses, one of the things I couldn’t do in moderation until I became an addict. To others, this addiction may not sound life threatening as others (drugs, alcohols, etc.) but it can also be life-changing, if it becomes the center of your life. We all know that anything in excess isn’t good for us (except our insatiable need to satisfy our hunger for God). Good thing though that God, the ever faithful, made me realize that my heart had started to turn away and that I had to do something about it.
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
He offered me a way out and now, I’m on my way to recovery. Though each day I’m being tempted, I have someone who is willing to take the battle from my hands, after all, it is His, will always be His, the same way I am His. My weakness for His strength, which I need everyday to resist every temptation and to fight the doubts and fears.
