Do you remember Blockbuster Video? It’s hard to believe back in the early 2000’s it was averaging about 5.9 billion dollars in annual revenue! It was also presented with the option of purchasing a little known company called Netflix for roughly 50 million dollars (3 days revenue). Blockbuster refused the purchase and has since went home to be with the Lord (LOL). Netflix, on the other hand, has become a 32.9 billion dollar company! Whoops. A similar story is true of Yahoo which turned down the chance to purchase a small search engine company named Google. Whoops again! I reference these two iconic companies, Google and Netflix, because they have become experts at figuring out something very complex………..YOU! Through complex algorithms, search engine history and location they are able to target and tailor ads and media that are most appealing to you. Click! And suddenly you’ve purchased another piece of useless home gym equipment you’ll never use or you’ve just spent the last week of your life binge watching “Stranger Things” and are now filled with a low grade sense self loathing? LOL – Custom made temptations! James the Lord’s brother warns us about custom made temptations and designed distractions:
“Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and He Himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.”
James 1:13-15
The Devil has been studying humanity from the Garden of Eden until now. He’s been watching you. He has a profile of things you like. Things that easily lead you astray. But, thank God you’re not a victim, but a victor! God has given you His Word, His Spirit and His Church to fight temptation. Here are a few things to help you fight well:
Know WHERE you are weak: Be a student of yourself. Take inventory of areas of struggle so you know where to build defenses.
Know WHEN you are weak: Usually at night or at times of fatigue and stress can leave us most vulnerable. Who could have guessed that one of the greatest spiritual weapons could be to GO TO BED!!
Know WHO to invite into your struggles: accountability will provide strength in areas of weakness as well as encouragement in the fight. There is strength in numbers!!