The
fifth question is:
How would you like to apply the "STAND
Principle" (see Articles
page for details) for resisting temptation and therefore, becoming
more holy?
You'll
find below the responses given to this
fifth question. I did not comment on or change
any comments and each writer is responsible for their own opinions. I'm sorry
that I can't take the time to pass along any comments you'd like to make to
individuals about their postings. And there is not an opportunity in this
setting for responding to any of these comments.
But
I hope you'll enjoy and benefit from hearing about other people's comments on
this question.
I love this question. I think that we
often look at sin as proactive. We are tempted and we do something sinful...or
resist the temptation to commit the act. However, there are reactive sins that
are sometimes harder to recognize and avoid. These can be major stumbling blocks
on the road to forgiveness. Two examples of these are unforgiveness and a
critical tongue.
I applied the STAND system to unforgiveness and will use very specific
examples to make the point, but don't worry, my wonderful and now godly husband
is okay with me sharing our experience.
S: See
Satan’s schemes: When we were having difficulty in our marriage and I
found out that my husband had been unfaithful, it was the hardest thing I have
ever endured. I was heartbroken, but I had to step outside of my own
thoughts and look at what was going on supernaturally. Satan would have loved
nothing more than for our marriage to end. I had to recognize that my husband's
sin, no matter how much it hurt me, was not different in the eyes of the Lord
than my own sin. Satan's scheme was to force me into unforgiveness with my
broken heart. He wanted me bitter instead of healed.
T:
Tell yourself the truth: The truth is that we all sin. We all make mistakes
and we all fail in our attempts at holiness on a regular basis. To admit to myself
that I had betrayed those I loved in my life was difficult. The thing is
that God is so faithful to forgive us when we grieve His Holy Spirit.
In Truth we are but filthy rags without His forgiveness. Who do I think I am if
I refuse to forgive someone (no matter how "BIG" their sin is)?
A:
Analyze your thinking: What are my motives for forgiving someone or not
forgiving someone? If I am making a big deal out of the fact that I am
forgiving another person, am I doing it to be obedient to the Lord or
am I doing it to make myself look better to other people? If our
motive is selfish or prideful then we better go back to step one and two or we
may be in danger of falling into the temptation of being puffed up. The
other thing we must analyze when dealing with forgiveness is, am I really
willing to allow God to have this issue? Can I truly put the other
person on God's hook and leave them there?
N:
Name the advantages of resisting: If I resist the temptation of unforgiveness, I
am free from the offense against me as well as being free from the sin of
unforgiveness. The Bible refers to unforgiveness as a bitter root. Forgiving
another is like pouring Round Up on that bitter root and killing it before it
sprouts runners. Another advantage to forgiveness is the healing power that
comes through that act. God is so marvelous to release healing immediately
following our surrender to forgive. Relationships as well as hearts are mended
in this act of obedience and holiness.
D:
Determine the godly response: This one is simple when it comes to forgiveness.
God forgives us our sins every time we ask. Just because we believe Him and
trust in Jesus Christ. I have heard time and time again the excuse that someone
cannot forgive another because the other person didn't ask. If we are going to
ask ourselves, "What would Jesus do?" then we need to look at the
cross. As Jesus hung there he said, "Forgive them..." He didn't say I
won't forgive these horrid people unless they take me off of this cross and
apologize and buy me lunch. Another example of this is when Stephen is being
stoned to death. His words matched those of Christ. "Forgive them, they
don't know what they are doing." It is pretty easy to find examples of
God's way of doing things in the scriptures.
If we
are going to live holy lives, we must walk in forgiveness. STAND on it and be
healed from the bitterness that can grow in a prideful, hard-hearted
unforgiving spirit. Our relationship was healed and restored by the Lord. My
husband is going to heaven. It was not my job to tell him how horrible I thought
he was during that time. It was my responsibility to make sure he understood the
Love of the Lord and the forgiveness he could find in Jesus. In our obedience to
forgive others, we teach them how to STAND.
Pamela
T: The
truth is that God is my provider and very great provision and that I don't have
to take care of myself. He is faithful and wealthy enough to give me what He
knows I need, I don't have to use cheating to take care of myself.
A:
Cheating on my taxes actually harms me because of the legality of the universe.
I must reap the forces I set in motion by sinning via cheating. And in the
physical realm, if I am caught, the consequences are far worse than what I
might gain. I will not only have to pay back that which I cheated on, but there
will be penalty and interest and the possibility of being brought up on fraud
charges.
N: By
resisting, I know that when I stand before God I will not be ashamed of my
choices and actions. I will also know during those
D: The godly
response is to claim everything that I need to and to trust that God will
honor my choices and bless me indeed. He is my loving heavenly Father and I can
stand secure knowing He will take care of His daughter.
Ker
"S" - Sometimes I don't even
try to see Satan's schemes, let alone recognize them if they hit me in the face
with a jelly donut! I know it's him, ugly, hateful Satan, trying to lure me away
from the Holy Spirit in me when the day is glorious and I'm sticking to my goals
and eating plan. Then along comes the slight whisper—you can just go in there
and get a cuppa coffee! You deserve a break today! Blah blah blah... My eyes are
closed, I do not see.
"T"
- Do I tell myself the truth? Not then. My heart cares but my mind sorta shuts
down and I go have that "break" I deserve along with the cuppa coffee.
Then it's my heart that breaks - a little bit more - one crack at a time.
The sugar high lasts all of about 15 minutes. When I use the needed break for a
sweet time of devotion and truth with my Lord, I'm 150% refreshed for the rest
of the day.
"A"
- Analyzing takes so much time - ho hum. I hate really seeing and knowing the
whys of the control sugars 'n fats have over my being. Rooted in the past from
an alcoholic mother and dysfunctional father. If sweets were the only food
around, sweets met the need. When I don't analyze, really think about it, they
still do. And then the hurt begins.
"N"
- Hmmm. Name the advantages. A positive action rather than all the disadvantages
of giving in to temptation, whatever it may be. This is a real "feel
good" solution! Have to rely on the S, T, & A of above to do this.
Makes me like me, and realize how much God likes me. How friendly like!
"D"
- Determining the godly response means the Holy Spirit will be in control, not
my human response to the temptation. He's ever so much more capable than me! I
can flee - with Him pushing me from behind and pulling me from the front! A
gracious empowering, to be sure!
Then I
STAND and praise in His glory--ta da! Patti
I apologize if this isn't the format
you'd prefer, but here are my thoughts.
A
friend quipped, "A devil exposed is a devil defeated." But are we
looking in the right direction--to God--to see what he reveals? Too
often we don't see what's happening in the background; we focus on what's in the
magician's hand. He distracts us with sin's pleasure.
In a similar way, we often tell ourselves what we want to hear, rather
than the truth, and our voice sounds much like God's.
Analysis reveals the truth: I enjoy sin because it's fun--for a season.
But, knowing the truth about my motives does little to change my point of view
or keep me from repetitious sin.
Likewise, mental gymnastics, such as naming the consequences, may do
little to dissuade us from acting on our thoughts. Fear is a weak motivator.
That's why Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commandments," rather
than "If you fear me, stop sinning."
When I realize that I can't stop sinning, I'll quit trying to convince
myself that the illusion is true: I can be better if I try harder. I can't be
holy; but God can make me holy, if I let him. When I am weak, his strength is
sufficient for me. And he will make me stand, because I am his.
Paul wrote to in Romans 14:4, "Who are you to judge someone else's
servant (even yourself, because you are not your own)? To his own
master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him
stand." (parenthesis mine)
Jeff
I must eliminate the 'S' and the 'A'. We are God’s children, not Satan’s. We
are covered by the blood of Christ and claimed as His own, forever. We are not
victims. We are the victors through our faith in Christ Jesus. Any other
position is a position of faithlessness.
What I
do see is the Liar of Liars prowling about seeking to devour me but only able to
do so if I am a willing participant. God did not permit Satan to touch even a
hair on Job’s head during his trials. The conclusion was one of Job
understanding his pride and denial of God’s Lordship over all things. The
perception of an outside entity or spirit having the ability to 'victimize' me
is the same denial of God’s Lordship. It says that the One, True, Living God
is not Lord of ALL creation. It is, indeed a position of faithlessness. It says
that the death and resurrection of Christ was a sham; that it did not reconcile
the world to the Father, but left us dangling as future food for Evil. Do I
really want to make that part of my Christian understanding? I think not.
Thus,
I '_T_ND'. And even that, with fear and trembling.
'T'-
honesty: As an addict, and there are food or sexual addictions as real as any
chemical ones, acknowledging the bad outcomes of my use is the easy part. Really
telling myself the truth requires me to accept my willing participation in the
process. Yes, Satan saw the weak spot; yes, the opportunity presented itself;
yes, I listened to the Liar of Liars; and yes, my selfish desires—gluttony,
avarice, lust—exceeded my desire for the grace and presence of God. My selfish
desire is a higher authority in my life. That is the spiritual truth.
'A'-analyze:
Don't. For this is just another affirmation of self-reliance and God’s
powerlessness in my life. 'If you could have figured it out, you would have done
so years ago', I'm reminded. The facts of the matter for an addict of any sort
is that my thoughts are a dangerous neighborhood to wander through alone.
Justification and rationalization, spawned by fear and self-will, live there.
These will cause me to lie to myself first, believe the lie and then lie to
everyone else knowing it's the truth. My analysis need go no further than
knowing about this neighborhood and understanding that only God can enter in to
expel the obsession.
'N'-name
the advantages: Again, the easy part of telling myself the truth. I can list a
thousand ways that being clean and sober is better than being strung out.
Crediting the advantages is the hard part. Am I willing to acknowledge that
these 'advantages' are the outcome of God’s grace in my life and not the
results of my actions? Now, I had to act; but in acting do I assume I am
responsible for the good things that only God can provide: release, serenity,
peace, joy, gratitude, faithfulness, goodness, self-control? If so, I am once
again, Job: proud in my own accomplishments.
'D'
determine the response: There is but one response: "Father, I offer myself
to Thee; to do build with me and to do with me as Thou will. Relieve me of the
bondage of self that I may better do Thy will. Take away my difficulties that
victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of Thy power, Thy love
and Thy way of life. May I do Thy will always." - Third Step prayer from
page 63 in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous
Shalom, Jonah
I have struggled with low self worth for many years, and about a year
ago, I began the "T" and "D" principles in your article
without knowing it. Now I will try and write a short description on how I can
apply all 5 principles to this temptation to be self-loathing.
S: See and recognize Satan's schemes. I know that Satan knows me well and
knows that if I am down on myself, I am not joyful, and if not joyful, I am not
useful in God's service. I am no longer a threat to Satan because I am turned
inward instead of "other-ward."
T: Tell yourself the truth. I often quote Scripture references to how
precious I am to God, that I keep on 3 by 5 cards. I need to remind myself that
I am precious in His sight and God desires to use me and all my rough edges.
A: Analyze your thinking. I know that a lot of my feelings of self-doubt
or inability to see myself as "beautiful" stem from my childhood and
adolescence. I was told that I was "too small", "too
fragile," and that I was cute, but not pretty. I developed the
misconception that I would never be pretty enough to date or have a husband.
That is not the case...I have dated many times, although I have not found the
right one I want to spend my life with.
N: Name the advantages of resisting. One advantage is that I develop
confidence in myself and my Maker. When I do, others are drawn to the beauty in
me. I, in turn, have more energy to love and serve others because I am now
focused on them and not me.
D: Determine Godly response. In doing this, I determine to love the
person God has made me to be. I make a choice to not talk to myself negatively,
but tell myself what God says about me. This is a moment by moment choice at
times, but a choice nonetheless.
Heather
I love the "stand" principle.
"S"
stands for "strength" for me. "I can do all things through
Christ who strengthens me." How many times I've literally "clung"
to this verse, our sons' accidents, my husband's operations in the dentist chair and
everyday situations. God has never failed me.
"T"
stands for "truth" for me. Many years ago the "truth" set me
free. I grew up in a dysfunctional environment. As a result I had severe
low self esteem. In my heart one day, I heard, "Forget your people and your
father's house, so shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy
Lord; and worship thou him." (Psalm 45:10) I have never been the same.
"A"
stands for "adoration." My love for Jesus and what he has done for me
is ever before me. I adore him moment by moment.
"N"
stands for "near." He is always near me. He will never leave me. When
I feel tempted to worry or fret, I remember he is just a prayer away, a breath
or a heartbeat.
"D"
stands for "delight." I delight in him. I awaken in the wee hours of
the morning with a song in my spirit and I like to think I am singing to him, or
he is singing over me. (Zephaniah 3:17)
Through each one of these acronyms, I go back to the scriptures I have
written on my heart whenever I am tempted to "crash." By doing this I
am strengthened and am reminded of who I am in him.
Joan
S. See
Satan’s Schemes: Be Alert...How to stay alert to Satan’s Schemes is to stay
in the word. In Prayer, under the wing of God. In Jesus’ name we have all the
power and authority Jesus had and more. Because the Holy Spirit was
given...That’s one of the reasons we need each other...with the Holy Spirit
was given. That’s one of the reasons we need each other. With the Holy Spirit
in and full and active in each of us. The power is multiplied.
Years
ago when April came around I’d get Spring Fever and want to sow "wild
oats". I was married 10 years, my husband had been "out of town"
for 5 or 6 years and April came up on the calendar. Oh, the urge was great so I
asked a sister for prayer and the Lord gave me Zephaniah 3:17. And every time
the urge would come, I would say that verse over and over until the temptation
passed. Then I would listen to the Lord and hear what He wanted me to do. He
usually wanted me to do something for someone else. My mind was STAYED ON HIM.
Therefore what Satan had to offer seemed nauseating. Satan is only as powerful
as we let him be.
T.
Tell yourself the Truth. The truth is ...I am a sinner. A human being, a
weakling... God is ALL powerful and HE lives in me. I am strong, I am righteous,
I am Holy because of HE who lives within me.
A.
Analyze your thinking. I am not good at analyzing because Mom taught me the word
and prayed for me since before I was born and still does...every day. God knew I
needed a praying mother!! The Word of God is like "The main
meal"...Can’t live without it...no question. I believe what God says is
true and I believe He follows though on it ALL.
N. Name the Advantages of resisting.
1. A whole lot less wild oats are to reap.
2. Fellowship with God and His children is not broken.
3. Healthier physically, emotionally & mentally.
4. Peace abides
5. Growth happens
6. Strength is multiplied
7. Others are ALWAYS watching. The Bible says, "we" are our
neighbor’s Bible and when we resist temptation it is a witness to others.
Matt. 28:18-20.
D.
Watchman Nee wrote the book, SIT, WATCH, STAND. It is from Ephesians. If you
have the FULL ARMOR of God on... All you can do is STAND...watch God do the
work. This part is really exciting...it is like going to a really GOOD adventure
movie. There is nothing else to do...but to STAND after we STAND, WE STAND.
Solid in the Lord.
The
enemy is there to over take us at any weak moment...and he knows our
weaknesses...but there is a way of escape. Thank you JESUS!!!
Linda
don't believe he will heal family members of their pain.
I analyze the benefits of putting my problems in His hands. There are
plenty. My family members might draw closer to God in their suffering. I name
the benefits. God has loved me well in the past by seeing my relatives and me
through plenty of situations I thought were
Sylvie