Our Defense Against Temptation, Part 5

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”  Philippians 4:6-9

A great deterrent to sin is the realization that Jesus is ever present in the life of the believer. George Stebbins caught this concept well in his hymn, “In the Secret of His Presence.” In part he says:

“Only this I know: I tell Him all my doubts,
my griefs and fears.
Oh, how patiently He listens!
And my drooping soul He cheers.
Do you think He never reproves me?
What a false friend He would be,
If He never, never told me of the sins
which He must see.

Would you like to know the sweetness
of the secret of the Lord?
Go and hide beneath His shadow:
this shall then be your reward;
And whenever you leave the silence of
that happy meeting place,
You must mind and bear the image of
the Master in your face.”

If with every thought and action, we were to have the image of Christ imprinted in our heart and mind, how simple it would be to walk in a righteous and an upright manner, overcoming temptation’s appeal. What place does Christ hold in your life? Is His image ever before you?

Be sure to find those scriptural reminders with power and authority for your times of temptation.