Lead us not into temptation.

Jesus gave us some very practical models to follow to keep us out of trouble. He said, Lead us not into temptation. (Mat 6:13) Makes a lot of sense, doesn’t it! Keep me away from temptation and I won’t be lured into doing something I know I shouldn’t.

It’s like taking practical steps to stay healthy instead of trying to cure what is diseased. If we are guarded against attack, we won’t have to rebuild walls after they fall down. If you know you are weak in an area, then stay away from that area! Jesus said it was better to get rid of what you know you have problems with than hold onto it and go to hell.

That goes against our natural selfishness. But I don’t want to inconvenience myself! I don’t want to give up something that I know is probably bad for me. (Here’s where we start justifying to ourselves. We know every well it is bad for us.)

That attitude is a clear indication that we don’t have a true vision of God. If we really had the love of God radiating in our heart, we wouldn’t do anything that would grieve Him. True love will bless and not justify.

God is here to help us live righteously, because we can’t do it on our own. All we have to do is ask.