Monday Morning Motivational Message - Temptation

When was the last time you were tempted to do something you shouldn't have done?

Temptation is almost always associated with the negative. You never hear anyone say, "I was tempted to help that little old lady across the street, or I was tempted to cut my neighbor's grass while they were on vacation.

It's also heavily associated with the good versus evil aspect of spirituality. When I looked into the different forms of temptation that people are exposed to every day, almost all the topics had to do with religion or theology.

Temptation is something that allures, entices, or seduces someone. The Bible defines temptation as a present danger to a believer of God.

According to Christian Leadership expert Brett Powell, here are five temptations facing leaders:

 1. To be served, not to serve: This temptation examines your motives for being a leader. Is it all about you, or are you willing to give of yourself to make others better?

2. Refusing or ignoring feedback: How arrogant and self-absorbed are you? Do you think you know everything and are closed to learning new skills or methods?

3. To be driven, not called: We all have been put on this planet with unique gifts and talents for a reason. Do you know what your "why" or "mission" is? If you feel like you're a square peg in a round hole when it comes to what you believe is your purpose, you're probably undertaking the wrong task.   

4. Disguising fear as prudence: We are all scared from time to time. However, too much fear can paralyze a person to inaction. Fear can stop you from finding and living your purpose. Being a good and moral leader requires you to make a decision, even if you're afraid.

5. To be liked more than respected or respected more than liked: This is a clear case of vanity.  Your self-worth hinges specifically on what others say and think about you. There is nothing wrong with wanting to be held in high esteem, but a leader must do the right thing, even if it isn't popular. 

We all face temptations from time to time. But if our morals and values are grounded in something that's bigger than ourselves, it's much easier to resist that temptation when it is present.

Please leave me a comment about your thoughts on temptation in your life and how you deal with it when you are confronted. Your ideas and opinions are valuable, and I enjoy hearing from you.