Don't Get Walloped

     “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you but such that is common to man; God is faithful, and will not allow you to be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also give you a way out that you will be able to bear it” (1 Cor 10 vs. 12-13).



     Complacency is a great temptation for those of us who have been striving to grow in our relationship with God. Because of our efforts to do what pleases Him -- practicing virtue and trying our best to avoid sin and imperfections -- we can let our guard down. We believe we are in a “good place” and suddenly “wham,” we get walloped by the devil. This is a favorite tactic of the Evil One and if we are not careful, we will fall! The devil knows us, along with our weaknesses and never tires in his efforts to trip us up.

     There may be many areas with which we've struggled over the years, and he’s familiar with them all. If we've gotten stronger in one area, he’ll try another. He’s relentless in his efforts till he finds our “Achilles heel.” He whispers “sweet temptations” in our ears, giving us reasons to justify the action we should avoid.

      “You deserve it after all, you work really hard. God doesn't want you to have any fun. Go ahead. Enjoy yourself.”  --   “So what if you eat when you’re not hungry, or eat more than you need when you are hungry. What’s wrong with a few more bites? You’re not robbing a bank!”  --   “Does it really matter if you don’t tell the truth all the time? What’s wrong with a little white lie every now and then? What are you trying to do, become a saint?”  --  “You’re right! That person is really annoying. They are so full of themselves. You should just bag that relationship. They are not worth all the effort!”

     If that doesn't work, he will bring to mind painful and hurtful memories. He will tempt us to walk down “memory lane” and tear off the scab from a wound from our past. His aim is to harden our heart once again against those who have injured us, and keep us stuck in prison of self pity.

     Another one of his wiles is to magnify the faults of others, while minimizing our own. His aim is to make sure we see only the negative till we are blinded to their goodness. Before long, we begin to dread any time when we will be in their company.  

     When these “sweet temptations” begin to play in our heads, we must disengage immediately! Do not begin a conversation with the enemy. He is laying his trap! We mustn't deceive ourselves into thinking we can overcome him on our own. He knows exactly which buttons to push and will not give up easily. He’s been playing this game since the Garden of Eden and has gotten quite good at it!

     Through His Holy Word, God has promised His help. He assures us that we won’t be tempted beyond our strength, and will provide the way out for us. Like a soldier of God, we must have a strategy in place that we can follow in our times of temptation. We must run to God and ask for His help. Cry out to Jesus and Mary. We can also ask our guardian angel, and the Communion of Saints to assist us in our struggle. Imitate Jesus when He was tempted by Satan in the desert, by having scripture verses that will give you strength to defeat the devil. If the temptation is powerful, call a friend and ask that they pray with you on the phone. Make a visit to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and beg Him to help you. Ask for His enlightenment to discover the reason for having the problem. Listen for His response.

     We must always remember that the devil is a creature and has limited power. God allows him to tempt us so we may grow in strength and virtue. We can overcome him and his temptations if we cling to God and run to Him for help. God can use the temptations of the devil to help us to become the men and women He has called us to be from all eternity.

     “Blessed the man who endures temptation, for when he has been tried, he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him” (Jas 1 vs. 12).