Part 1: The Divine Perspective by Randal Matheny

How many times have you seen the cartoons of a man with two strange little creatures sitting on his shoulders? On his (right, I assume) shoulder, a little angel whispers in his hear, encouraging him to do what's right. On his other shoulder, a little devil, complete with horns and tail, entices him to do wrong.

That little scene sticks with us, because the tug-and-pull of temptation, besides occupying plenty of space in Scripture, represents a basic element in the life of those who strive to serve God.

An important passage in this struggle is 1 Corinthians 10:11-14.

Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall. No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. (NASU)

When temptation whispers in our ear, we tend to concentrate on the action of Satan to draw us away. But this passage teaches us to see the divine.

The Divine Perspective

When we feel the intensity of temptation or the sorrow of suffering, we often tell ourselves, "Nobody has been through what I'm undergoing. Nobody knows how I feel. I'm the only one who has such a rough time."

Perhaps that's because we cannot delve into the hearts and minds of others. But God can. Here's his conclusion:

"No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man."

Unlike us, God knows every heart and reads every mind. He knows that the pressure of temptation we feel is common to all. Literally, all temptation is "human," within the human experience and, consequently, within the human capacity to endure.

As a side note, if anyone felt a greater intensity of temptation, it would have been Jesus, who never gave in. And because he never surrendered, he would have felt the full force of Satan's efforts. Those of us who do not resist all temptation to the end have never felt its fiercest fury.

Another side note: Like Adam and Eve before us, we tend to blame the devil for the temptation. But the Lord says to look to our own inner workings, for temptation is human, that is, it arises from our desires and passions. Or, as James puts it, "each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust" (Jas. 1:14).

So the first step in overcoming temptation is to see the divine perspective: Temptation is common to us all. And that means, no pity party for me.

Next up: The Divine Character