Tempted To Touch! Do Not Be Deceived

Have you ever been tempted to do something wrong or unwise? Sure, you have! Have you ever had the desire to touch someone that you knew could cause issues in your relationship? Sure, you have! The difference between a husband or a wife who is able to over any temptation is the one who understands the deception of temptation and the process involved. If you have never been in situations where you have been tempted, now is the time to repent and come clean (smile).

 

The truth is, none of us are exempt from temptation. Whether, it’s from the coworker, the friendly mail person, a high school sweetheart, a stranger or a church member, we are all susceptible to temptation. This blog will equip you to understand why temptation is so deceptive and how to overcome it.

 

Let’s start with a simple dictionary definition. Temptation is “the desire to do something, especially something wrong or unwise. Many can identify with this definition because we were all tempted at one time or another. The question is, what do you do when temptation comes knocking at your door? The answer is as simple and as complicated as this. You need to understand the deception of temptation, what temptation is designed to do and the stages and process involved. This is the key to overcoming the temptation.

 

Couples need to understand that temptation is designed to test for weaknesses in their relationship. It is designed to test your character as a husband and as a wife. Your true character is usually only revealed or seen after temptation comes. To be tempted to touch is one thing, touching is another. However, so many couples who fail the test, succumb to temptation and touch because of its deception.

 

So, why is temptation so deceptive? To truly understand this deception, we need to go back to Genesis chapter 3:1-5, a familiar story with Adam and Eve. We will see three reasons why temptation is so deceptive and what you can do to overcome it.

 

• First, temptation is deceptive because in causes one to doubt. “Has God indeed said?” (v1). You begin by doubting the word of God. You doubt the truth about what God says about your marriage. You doubt what is true about your spouse. A wife may say, “Is my husband indeed God’s best for me?” A husband may say, “Is my wife indeed the best helper for me?”

 

• Second, temptation is deceptive because it causes you to omit everything you can do and magnifies the one or two things you can’t do. You may eat from all the tree but one (v2-3). A husband may be a good provider, tries to spend time with his family and temptation comes in to deceive the wife by magnifying the fact that his communication could be better. A wife could be a trying to hold the family down, even while working and temptation comes in to deceive the husband by magnifying the fact that she hardly ever cooks.

 

• Third, temptation is so deceptive that not only it magnifies what is missing, it also promises you better on the outside. God knows, if you eat of it, your eyes will be open and you will be like him (v4-5). The truth is God has already made us in His image. The deception is, temptation uses what you don’t know about yourself and about your marriage to deceive you into thinking there is better out there.

 

Deception! Deception! Deception!

 

It is from this deception that many couples fall into the trap that leads down a road of destruction. Overcoming the deception is the first key to overcoming the temptation. However, many couple who succumb to temptation would attest that there were a pattern and progression of the temptation that led them to fall. Recognizing the deception, which is, anything that temptation promises to give you is designed to deceive you, will empower you to overcome. In addition, when you learn the stages and process of how the lie unfolds, you will be able to stop temptation in its track.

 

You can get access to the stages and process of temptation along with the worksheets, and detailed explanations of what to do when temptation starts and how to catch yourself in the process, when you become a part of the Hope Conquers Marriage Enrichment Institute community. Start your free trial today and get instant access to the marriage enrichment training called, “The Deception of Temptation: How to Overcome.” You will also get the opportunity to be a part of our LIVE monthly Q&A trainings to get all your questions answered.

 

If you have found this information helpful, please share with other couples. For more relationship and marriage tools, tips and resources, visit www.hopeconquersd.com

 

Hope to see you on the inside! 

 

 

By Dr. Delroy Fredericks