There are many times every day that we are tempted. We want to succumb to the inviting presence that it temptation. It seems so very very right. There are no real punishments that can come from acting on a temptation. I mean, it's not like God says if you fall into temptation that it will destroy you, does He?
    
    
    James 1:14 - 1:17 says, "We are tempted by our own desires that drag us off and trap us. Our desires make us sin, and when sin is finished with us, it leaves us dead. Don't be fooled my dear friends. Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father who created all the lights in the heavens. He is always the same and never makes dark shadows by changing" (CEV). It's quite plain to see that temptation will leave us dead. I'm not a Doctor, but I'm pretty sure dead is not a healthy state to be in. But do not despair.
    Temptations are everywhere. In schools, on television, in public, in private, in magazines, on billboards, on buses, and even in churches. Be assured, this IS your mother's temptation. The same one who was tempting Eve is tempting you, albeit the fruit tastes different and is much more accessible than it was in the garden of Eden those millenia ago.
    This much is for certain. The only power temptation has, is the power you give it. As long as you are walking in Christ and strive forward and forge ahead under the authority of God, then you would pay no mind to the temptations that sit along the wayside, however, if you turn your head to the side, (i.e, glance away from the sight and word of God), then you will be sidetracked. A Christian who is sidetracked and doesn't know it is in a precarious (dangerous) situation, indeed. You must fight temptation with the Holy Spirit.
    The Holy Spirit is your armor! With it, you can defend against all manner of evil, including temptation. And temptation can be like a drug, folks. It's not harmless. Once here or once there will lead to habitual use. This also applies to temptation. If you give up once here and once there, then it becomes easier to give up next time, and again, and again until you don't even examine the moral and Spiritual effects that can result from it.
    So, do the work of the Lord, and avoid the temptations that come across your path. God will increase your blessings because of your service of love and obedience.
    Take Heed! The Word of God is like a two edged sword! Remember these things, that you can teach them to those who do not know. Go out and teach the Gospel!