I was doing some Bible study homework this week and these verses collided in my head and my heart. Then they mulled around for awhile. Now I think I may be onto something.
1 Cor 10:12-13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights…
So I’ve been thinking about all of the ways that gratitude for good gifts is my “way of escape” from temptation.
When I’m tempted by greed – I’m so pitifully lacking compared to so many people who have so much more money, so much nicer things, more ample savings accounts than me – gratitude to God for all that I have is my way of escape.
When I’m tempted by inordinate anger – the world is so messed up and people are so selfish and everything is only just getting worse and worse all of the time! – gratitude to God for all of the good, right, reliable, and beautiful things that I see every day is my way of escape.
When I’m tempted by sloth – what difference does it make anyway? I’d rather just nap; if I wait long enough someone else will take the lead and make the decision and I’ll be off the hook of responsibility – gratitude to God for the leadership, the responsibilities, and the ownership he has entrusted to me to steward is my way of escape.
When I’m tempted by envy – other people have so much more leisure time, so many more free-flowing talents, such easier marriages and kids to parent than me – gratitude to God for the few talents, the life He orchestrated, and the lot he ordained for me is my way of escape.
When I’m tempted by pride – people are such infantile idiots; i can’t believe people act in this or that way; I would never ever do this or that thing! – gratitude to God for the progress we’ve made together on this journey of love, repentance, faith, and forgiveness is my way of escape.
Have you ever experienced this ‘way of escape’ in your life? How? Please, do tell!
PS. I hope you’re having a great week. I’m going to the sea this weekend for the first time in a long time; I absolutely love the sea. Plus, having a Something to look forward to has extra-sweetened my week. I think it’s supposed to rain, and I don’t even care. xoxo Jocelyn