I’ve been reading Charles Stanley’s ‘Winning the War Within’
and I’ve come across a very intriguing argument in his book. Here’s
what he has to say about the common excuse we make when falling into
temptation.
“One
of the most common statements people make to excuse failure in the area
of temptation is this: “I’m just human, and besides, nobody’s perfect.”
Let’s take a look at that for just a minute.
There is some truth to this statement. Only God is perfect. The
problem is that this statement confuses present character with potential
behavior. Let me explain.
When people say, “I am not perfect,” they are referring to their
personhood or character. They are basically saying, “Since I am not
perfect internally, don’t expect perfect behavior externally.” But in a
discussion of temptation, character is not really the issue.
The issue is whether or not, at a given moment in time, people (in
this case, Christians) have the potential to do the right thing. God
says they do.
“No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man;
and God is fathful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you
are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also,
that you may be able to endure it.” – 1 Corinthians 10:13
All people have the potential to say no to temptation, regardless of
whether or not we are perfect. Pointing to character as an excuse for
giving in to temptation holds no weight with God.
We are all in the process of developing character, but where we are
in that process has no bearing on our potential to overcome temptation.
It may affect our desire to overcome temptation, but not our ability.
Are you willing to exercise your potential as a believer and say no to temptation?”
– Charles Stanley
‘Winning the War Within’ (with my own edit and emphasis added)
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