It is a great gift when we are convicted of sin. It is God’s love when we become conscious of the damage we have done to ourselves and to others by our deeds. It is a painful but necessary moment. Having found forgiveness, part of His gift is a holy horror of ever going back, a Spirit-given caution towards temptation. Sampson was arrogant with his powers. He did not fear temptation. He trifled with sin and the Holy Spirit left him. (Judges 16) We should fear lest this ever be said of us. Having known the power of God, we forfeit it by drifting back into sin. All of us will face temptation. All of us will be tested, but we should never choose it! We should move toward temptation only when it is the will of God for the battle to finally be faced. Then it will be an opportunity for victory, not for failure.
