Just testing

Everyone is tempted to do the wrong thing. How we react to temptation, particularly if we are Christians can make a big difference in our own lives, and as often the case, will affect others’ lives. The following true story submitted by Robert Davis demonstrates this point well.
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Several years ago a pastor friend of mine moved to Houston, Texas. Some weeks after he arrived, he had occasion to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him ten cents too much change. As he considered what to do, there alternately appeared to him little angelic figures sitting on his shoulders and whispering instructions into his ears. One said, “You better give the dime back. It would be wrong to keep it.” On the other shoulder a voice said, “Oh forget it. It’s just ten cents. Who would worry about this little amount. Anyway the bus company already gets too much fare. With their millions everyday they will never miss it. Accept it as a gift from God and keep quiet.”

When his stop came he paused momentarily at the front door, and, handing the driver the dime he said, “Here, you handed me too much change.”

The driver replied, “Aren’t you the new pastor in town? I have been thinking lately about going to church somewhere. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you ten cents too much change.”

When my friend stepped off the bus, he literally grabbed the nearest light pole, and held on, and said, “O God, I almost sold your Son for ten cents.”

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Many folks mistakenly believe that it is God that tempts us. Not so, all temptation comes from satan. God will always provide an escape and never allow us to be tempted beyond our ability to resist it. This is comforting yet disconcerting to me. Why? Because when I fail and succumb to temptation, I realize that if I had more self control and would have tried a little harder, I would have been able to escape and avoid disappointing my Father by sinning. Thank God for grace. Without it we would all be lost!

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James 1:13
Let no one say when he is
tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for
God cannot be tempted by evil, nor
does He Himself tempt anyone.

1Cor. 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you
except such as is common to man,
but God is faithful, who will not
allow you to be tempted beyond
what you are able, but with the
temptation will also make the way
of escape, that you may be able to
bear it.

Heb.4:15
For we do not have a High Priest
who cannot sympathize with our
weaknesses, but was in all points
tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Let us therefore come boldly to
the throne of grace, that we may
obtain mercy and find grace to help in
time of need.

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