No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV)

Being tempted to sin is not the same as sinning. It is an invitation from Satan, a lure to lead us into an act of sin. Often times he plants a thought in our heads and we feel terrible for even considering his suggestions. But that is why we must “take every thought captive” and evaluate them according to God’s word. Will they give glory to God if we act on them, or will our impulsiveness take over and cause us to sin?

There is no reason for us to feel ashamed for being tempted. The devil targets Christians because he hates them and God. He is not so worried about unbelievers because he knows their souls will perish in hell. He is going after the saints, the children of God who are countermanding his attempts to destroy everyone’s lives. He doesn’t want God to have any of them.

Knowing that, we must “put on the whole armor of God” that we “may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). We fight with the word of God and prayer, and we flee using the escape routes to righteousness. Our faith gets tested daily, and when we get tripped up over sin, then we must quickly make amends with Jesus and repent: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

He doesn’t expect us to be perfect, but we must strive for perfection with moment-by-moment obedience. His grace is enough, and our faith in him is enough. So let us dust the dirt off our knees when we fall and continue dashing towards the kingdom of God.