This message makes a lot of sense to me. I keep weighing it against Paul's scripture about taking every thought captive. I can say that over the last ten years of my life spent in dedication to Jesus, my thoughts have become less of a gruesome thing, though they are by no means clean. Your article is comforting and useful, and I think it's wise to say that the temptations in our life do not ever disappear. I think also of Paul's "thorn in his side" and the gratitude he heldfor that friction, and feeling it really compliments this message as well. Thank you.
Hi Megan. It was encouraging to hear that my post resonated with you and provided some comfort. Your reflections on Paul's teachings add a rich layer to the discussion as well ... thanks for sharing. Lately, I've been especially comforted by the wisdom of Francis de Sales when it comes to temmptation: "When you succumb to temptation, humble yourself without discouragement; when you succeed, encourage yourself without presumption." This seems to align well my journey. All the best!
Thanks for sharing this quote from Francis de Sales. It sits true for me, as discouragement does not :) I can think of times in my past where I had to fight very hard to keep the discouraging/shaming voices from others at a distance while God repaired my soul from my sin. The discouraging voices did not help me, but only turned me off to fellowshipping with them while things cooled off. I knew those voices were not God. I haven't read much literature from the non-Bible-documented saints and am interested. If you have a great starting point to suggest, perhaps an anthology of sorts or a classic?
I'm glad to hear that the Francis de Sales quote resonated. Your experience underscores the importance of surrounding ourselves with uplifting and Christlike influences.
If you're interested in exploring more writings from non-Bible-documented saints, I'd highly recommend "Devotional Classics" by Renovaré. It's an anthology that includes a diverse range of spiritual writings from various Christian traditions and could serve as a great starting point for you. It was for me many years ago.
This is a great treatment/discussion of temptation. I am pondering this very topic--how can I become the person who experiences the temptation but thinks “I am the person who has already made up her mind to choose a different way.” Love the Desert Father teaching. So clear and hopeful. Thank you.
Celeste, your reflection on becoming a person who has "already chosen a different way" resonates deeply.
I want to share something I've personally found to be true in my own journey with Jesus: Even in those moments when temptation seems overwhelming, and I give in, I've realized that the truest part of myself didn't want too. My disordered desires that move me so strongly in the moment are not aligned with what I genuinely want or who I truly am.
Strangely, this realization is comforting. Even though I fail, each failure reminds me of my Christ-self that's longing for a fuller freedom. So, I'm learning to be patient with myself and the process, recognizing that perhaps this is one of the important ways God nurtures and develops his kind of patience within me.
Anyway, I appreciate your engagement with the subject, and your thoughtful response is a source of encouragement.
This message makes a lot of sense to me. I keep weighing it against Paul's scripture about taking every thought captive. I can say that over the last ten years of my life spent in dedication to Jesus, my thoughts have become less of a gruesome thing, though they are by no means clean. Your article is comforting and useful, and I think it's wise to say that the temptations in our life do not ever disappear. I think also of Paul's "thorn in his side" and the gratitude he heldfor that friction, and feeling it really compliments this message as well. Thank you.
Hi Megan. It was encouraging to hear that my post resonated with you and provided some comfort. Your reflections on Paul's teachings add a rich layer to the discussion as well ... thanks for sharing. Lately, I've been especially comforted by the wisdom of Francis de Sales when it comes to temmptation: "When you succumb to temptation, humble yourself without discouragement; when you succeed, encourage yourself without presumption." This seems to align well my journey. All the best!
Thanks for sharing this quote from Francis de Sales. It sits true for me, as discouragement does not :) I can think of times in my past where I had to fight very hard to keep the discouraging/shaming voices from others at a distance while God repaired my soul from my sin. The discouraging voices did not help me, but only turned me off to fellowshipping with them while things cooled off. I knew those voices were not God. I haven't read much literature from the non-Bible-documented saints and am interested. If you have a great starting point to suggest, perhaps an anthology of sorts or a classic?
I'm glad to hear that the Francis de Sales quote resonated. Your experience underscores the importance of surrounding ourselves with uplifting and Christlike influences.
If you're interested in exploring more writings from non-Bible-documented saints, I'd highly recommend "Devotional Classics" by Renovaré. It's an anthology that includes a diverse range of spiritual writings from various Christian traditions and could serve as a great starting point for you. It was for me many years ago.
https://www.amazon.com/Devotional-Classics-Selected-Readings-Individuals/dp/0060777508/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2ESRAQ7TLPYO6&keywords=devotional+classics&qid=1698278914&sprefix=devoyional+classic%2Caps%2C129&sr=8-1
https://renovare.org/books/devotional-classics
This is a great treatment/discussion of temptation. I am pondering this very topic--how can I become the person who experiences the temptation but thinks “I am the person who has already made up her mind to choose a different way.” Love the Desert Father teaching. So clear and hopeful. Thank you.
Celeste, your reflection on becoming a person who has "already chosen a different way" resonates deeply.
I want to share something I've personally found to be true in my own journey with Jesus: Even in those moments when temptation seems overwhelming, and I give in, I've realized that the truest part of myself didn't want too. My disordered desires that move me so strongly in the moment are not aligned with what I genuinely want or who I truly am.
Strangely, this realization is comforting. Even though I fail, each failure reminds me of my Christ-self that's longing for a fuller freedom. So, I'm learning to be patient with myself and the process, recognizing that perhaps this is one of the important ways God nurtures and develops his kind of patience within me.
Anyway, I appreciate your engagement with the subject, and your thoughtful response is a source of encouragement.
With you on the way,
Jon