If You Don't Want Temptation to Follow You…

As one whimsical observer said, “When some folks flee from temptation, they leave a forwarding address.” This brings us to what could be called tempting temptation, flirting with it, entertaining the idea. Sometimes we invite troubles, we invite temptation⎯perhaps wanting to be in on a little of the so-called excitement, in the wrong places, at the wrong times, perhaps for the wrong reason⎯sometimes out of curiosity, sometimes with an unwholesome interest in the action.

Many centuries ago Mencius said, “Let men decide firmly what they will not do, and they will be free to do vigorously what they ought to do.”¹ The problem often is that we don’t definitely decide what we will not do. We may decide to leave the door a little open⎯to go half way, or part way, or just a little way. But a little way is too far in some situations⎯and there are so many right places to go, so many good things to do, how can we justify ourselves in taking time for the unsavory side? We can’t be safe or sure, if we tamper with the wrong things⎯just a little at first, and then a little more, and then perhaps lose our sense of distance and direction.

We need standards, laws, guidelines in life; personal moral principles. We need to face ourselves with how honest we are, how far we will go⎯how far we won‘t go⎯and lay down a line that we can count on. It may sound old fashioned, but our peace and self-respect are worth more than any short-sighted indulgence, any venture into the dangerous and sordid side.

If you don’t want temptation to follow you, don’t act as if you are interested.