From time to time in our individual life journeys, we all come to “temptation’s corner.” That is, the place where we are called to make a decision as to which way we should turn. The Tempter is always standing there in the intersection seeking to entice us to make a wrong turn. There are three verses that reveal three important imperative questions we should ask ourselves as we anticipate which way to turn at one of these inevitable intersections of life.
Can I Thank God for It?
“In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). At “temptation corner” we should ask ourselves, “If I go this way, say this thing, or do this deed: when all is said and done, can I thank God for it?” If there is some attitude or action on our part for which we could not give God thanks in the aftermath, then it should be avoided at all costs. Interestingly, we are not called upon to thank Him “for” everything but “in” everything.
Can I Do It in Jesus’ Name?
“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17). We are not only to give thanks in all things, we are to do all things in the name of the Lord Jesus. If we gave serious thought to this issue it would make a huge difference in what we said with our mouths, did with our hands or watched with our eyes.
Can I Do It for God’s Glory?
“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). The true believer is motivated by the desire to bring God glory in every facet of life. There are many things which are done and said which would not be said or done if this important question were asked more often.
None of us are immune to “temptation’s corner.” In fact, all of us arrive there every single day in one way or another. Stop. Don’t just rush through the intersection or make a hasty wrong turn. Ask yourself three important questions. Can I thank God for it? Can I do it in Jesus’ name? Can I do it for God’s glory?