Decker leaned closer to the window to get a better glimpse of the beauty sitting in the courtyard below. Taking advantage of the noonday sun, she extended her long legs and leaned back on the bench.

Decker’s assistant dropped a large file on his desk, interrupting his fantasy dream. “Here you go, Sir,” she said.

He didn’t take his eyes off the beauty but pointed. “Who is that? Do you know?”

She followed his gaze. “Oh, that’s Bethany. She’s your competition’s assistant. Stay clear.”

Decker swiveled his chair around and crossed his arms. “Oh, you just gave me an idea. Bring her to me.”

“Didn’t you hear—”

“Now!”

Two hours later Decker followed Bethany out of his office. Her giggle intoxicated him and he smiled as he thought of the plan they birthed together. They sent the incriminating files through to the boss moments ago.

Soon they would be rich.

He rubbed her arm. “We make a great team.”

“We better not get caught.” She strutted down the hall.

Hours later, Decker glanced at his watch. 5:35. The takedown should be happening right now. Most employees had left for the day, leaving the office in total silence.

Where is Bethany? She should be back by now.

Rushing footsteps alerted him to approaching activity.

His assistant skidded in front of his office, eyes wide. “You shouldn’t have played with fire, Decker.”

“What happened?”

“She slipped up and the system crashed. We lost everything. Bethany’s boss it going to the owner of the company.”

Decker bolted out of his chair. “We need to stop him.”

“How?”

Decker paced, then halted. “Put him in the front lines. Plant a file on his computer to make it look like he did it.”

She crossed her arms. “Low, but it should work.”

Decker sighed. It could backfire. Was his temptation really worth it?

There are many temptations plaguing us today. Money. Casinos. Someone of the opposite sex. Alcohol. Drugs. These are big ones.

What about the little ones? Excessive shopping. Overeating. The idea of looking like a model.

No matter what the size the temptation, they can all lead to addictions. These are not from God.

Let’s examine the famous story of David and Bathsheba.

David made the ultimate mistake by succumbing to his temptation. Bathsheba. In this case, I would like to talk about what we shouldn’t learn from David.

David didn’t look away. He saw Bathsheba bathing on the rooftop and even though he was married, he stared at her anyway. It only took one look. Are you staring at a temptation right now? Look away before it’s too late.

David inquired. He couldn’t resist and had to find out the beautiful woman’s identity. He couldn’t just leave it alone. How about you? Do you really need to find out more? Fight the urge and let it go.

David requested Bathsheba be brought to his bedroom. Not only did he inquire, David gave in to his temptation and demanded they bring her to him. He followed through. Don’t follow David’s example here. Turn and run from your temptation. Don’t walk into it.

Bathsheba got pregnant. David’s sin had a penalty attached. He might have enjoyed their rendezvous, but it didn’t end there. You know the saying, right? “The truth will find you out.” You can’t hide from sin no matter how hard you try. There are consequences. Let’s think before we act.

David sinned again – he had her husband killed. Oh my! David tried to conceal his sin by committing another one. He put Bathsheba’s husband in the front lines of a war. Those were drastic measures. Forgive the cliché, but we all know two wrongs don’t make a right. How about we face up to the consequences of our actions and not try to cover it up? We need to admit when we’re wrong and own up to it.

Large or small—how about we resist our temptations?

How? Pray. Ask for protection. Confide in someone close to you. Share your temptation with them so they can help you. That’s what friends and family are for. Reach out and ask.

Don’t take that first look. Walk away. Don’t follow David’s example on this one!

How about we follow Christ’s lead instead? After all, He was tempted relentlessly by Satan in the desert but He knew the consequences if He gave in.

He’s the perfect example.

How do you resist your temptation? Share with us what works for you.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

When searching for a song on temptation, I came across this one by Acappella. I’ve always loved their amazing sound. Sorry there’s no ‘video’ associated with it but listen to the words.

Temptations of Christ by Acappella