We are sometimes tempted by our own lusts, but often we are tempted by satan just like Jesus was. But when we allow openings to satan, we allow temptation to dominate our lives.
Consider writing down where your openings are. Often they are from risky TV shows/movies, going to the wrong place, being with the wrong people, or allowing bad thoughts to swirl in your mind.
Next, realize that when you allow an opening it is basically inviting satan in. And once you invite him in, he has the right to work you over good. Let’s say you decided to flirt with temptaton for a few hours. Now satan has the right to pound you all day. Ouch.
Instead, allow no openings. Run from risky entertainment, run from the wrong places, run from the wrong people, and work ruthlessly on changing the way you think.
Find clean entertainment, clean places to go to, Christian people be your new friends, and work ruthlessly on changing the way you think.
Jesus allowed no openings in his life. So when satan came around, he tempted Jesus for a while, and then he left. That’s the goal. When we allow no openings at some point satan leaves. Sure, he will come back and try again later. But… he hates failure. Failure will cause him to try less and less. Make him fail and fail by allowing no openings.
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