How Do I Say No to Temptation?

A few years ago, I wanted to be adventurous, so I decided to make beef empanadas. I found a recipe and went to the grocery store to buy all the necessary items.

After coming home, I began preparing the food. I made the filling, cooked the beef, and added the onion, red pepper, potato, spices, and green peas. Then I added water and broth and simmered the food.

Next, I needed to put the filling in the pie dough. After this step and glazing it with egg wash, it was ready to bake. I set the stove to preheat and put my empanadas in the oven. Great!

Everything was going well until I noticed that smoke was coming out of the oven. At that point, my mother came into the kitchen and noticed it too. She then said to me, “Tina, that is not parchment paper. That’s wax paper!”

“What?! But they look the same!”

We opened the windows and lowered the temperature. The good news is they were cooked, but we needed to swap out the paper for the right one. I checked the paper, and my mother was right. I had used wax paper, not parchment paper, and that was the reason for the smoke. I felt terrible, but told myself next time I will check the box to make sure I use the right one.

Our walk with God is like using the right paper when we cook. On the outside, the choices we make day to day may seem right, but they can be cop-outs or poor substitutes for the real thing. We can create a lot of damage and pain in our lives because we are not listening to God. If my empanadas had been cooked in the oven with the parchment paper for more time, the house could have caught on fire.

That is why giving in to our temptations does not work. It will never yield the best outcome in our lives. Instead, giving in to temptations and then sinning against God and others are imitations of God’s plan and blessings in your life. On the outside, they look okay, but in the end, they lead to pain.

How do we know the fake choices from the true choices in life? We need to have a daily relationship with God, learn God’s Word, and then practice those truths in our day-to-day life.

A good example of someone who did that was Joseph in the Bible. He knew the difference between right and wrong, so when he was tempted, he remained steadfast before God and didn’t give in. How did he do it?

First, Joseph Remembered the Risks

When Potiphar’s wife tempted him sexually, Joseph did not give in. The Bible says, “But he refused…With me in charge,” he told her, “my master does not concern himself with anything in the house; everything he owns he has entrusted to my care” (Genesis 39:8).

He thought about how his actions would impact his relationship with his master. When we are tempted, let’s remember how this action will impact the people around us. How will this decision affect my spouse, kids, friends, family, and co-workers?

Second, Joseph Remembered What God Would Think

Joseph told Potiphar’s wife, “How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9).

Most people only consider how their actions will affect them. Then, some people consider how their actions affect others. The most important question is, what will God think if I do this?

Several years ago, when I was traveling to Turkey, I needed to see a doctor, and they charged me $143 for this visit and medication. When I arrived home in Canada, I filed for my money because I had medical insurance.

I did everything correctly. I submitted the claim, received an email confirming receipt, and waited. Then one week later, I got an e-transfer from the company for $1,430, not $143.

Someone from the claim company incorrectly calculated the claim, and this left me with two choices: I could keep the money to myself and not say anything, or call them and let them know that they filed the claim incorrectly. I chose the second option.

The agent on the phone said to me, “Nobody has ever called me about something like this.” I said to her, “I know, but I am a pastor and I need to tell you the truth and do what is right.” They sent me a letter asking for the money. I sent them the cheque, and one month later, the cash was returned. Why did I do that? Because, even though I could have kept the money and nobody would have known about it, I knew the one person who would know what I did was God, and that was more than enough to be truthful.

Third, Joseph Kept Saying No

Joseph was constantly being tempted by the woman about the same thing. The Bible says, “And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her” (Genesis 39:10). Every time he said no. We need to do the same thing. When faced with temptation, the answer needs to be: no, no, no, and no.

Fourth, Joseph Protected Himself

Joseph was tempted by her again. “Come to bed with me!” But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house “(Genesis 39:12). The Bible says he ran. This is key. The one choice we have is to flee. That is what he did. Whatever tempts you, just flee.

If it’s money, don’t get credit cards. If it’s jealousy, stay away from social media. If it’s sexual sin, don’t look at images, movies, or shows that show content that will cause you to sin. Whatever it is, be like Joseph, just flee.

Fifth, Remember the Reward

Initially, Joseph was thrown into jail for the lie of raping Potiphar. But in the end, God was the one who elevated Joseph to become second in command in Egypt. He had power, money, wealth, and relationships. When we stay true to God, despite pain, loss, and suffering, God will lead us to rewards like relationships, power, assets, and blessings. Why? Because God can trust you to be a person of integrity.