Resisting the Forbidden

…Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Romans 7:24-25

I noticed my Labrador standing perfectly still in a somewhat crouched position, half-in and half-out of the bathroom. Her gaze was fixed upon something. I questioned, “Chloe, what do you see?” She turned toward me, and then turned back, assuming the same position. As I came closer, I noticed her gaze was upon the trash can. Inside was an empty toilet paper roll—the forbidden thing she loves to shred and devour!

Chloe presents an illustration of man’s dilemma described in Romans 7. A war was waging between that which she knew she should do (walk away from the toilet paper roll) and that which her nature desired (grab it and run). Paul said, …For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing (Romans 7:18-19) Can you relate? 

Hebrews gives words of encouragement to those of us struggling with temptation. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin (Hebrews 4:15) Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted (Hebrews 2:18). 

When Chloe heard my voice, she looked toward me. Looking toward me strengthened her to resist the temptation. What a lesson for us! When temptations loom, we must listen to God’s voice through scripture. We must turn our attention fully upon Him. And He, who resisted all temptation, will strengthen us to resist also. 

Lord Jesus, we praise you as the Victor over sin and thank you for strength you give to resist temptation. 

Jan Burkhart