What is temptation?

[Christgirl67]

I have a hard time with understanding temptation.What is the difference between temptation and actually having something bad in your heart? For example, sometimes I am tempted to listen to secular music because some music reminds me of my childhood. If I think that way, but I do not act on it, is that bad or a sin. My example is based my beliefs, I am not trying to debate with anyone on that.

 

[Not David]

I have a hard time with understanding temptation.What is the difference between temptation and actually having something bad in your heart? For example, sometimes I am tempted to listen to secular music because some music reminds me of my childhood. If I think that way, but I do not act on it, is that bad or a sin?

How is listening to secular music sinful?

 

[Christgirl67]

How is listening to secular music sinful?

The church I go to, secular music is considered any song that idolizes or talks about sing.Songs that talk about lust, or partying and drinking and smoking, etc are what I consider secular.

 

[Not David]

The church I go to, secular music is considered any song that idolizes or talks about sing.Songs that talk about lust, or partying and drinking and smoking, etc are what I consider secular.

Wouldn't temptation be considered doing those things you mentioned?

 

[Christgirl67]

Wouldn't temptation be considered doing those things you mentioned?

I would think listening to a song like that is temptation, and it can lead to sin.Which is why I choose to stay away from music like that. But I also am not too sure, which is why I posted this question lol.

 

[HTacianas]

I have a hard time with understanding temptation.What is the difference between temptation and actually having something bad in your heart? For example, sometimes I am tempted to listen to secular music because some music reminds me of my childhood. If I think that way, but I do not act on it, is that bad or a sin?

I can't say that I share your views on secular music. But moving along.

Temptation is, quite simply, something that tempts. But it is a thing that entices us to sin. Secular music may, and in fact I believe it does, entice many people to sin by creating the idea that "everybody's doing it so you should too". Personally I'm long since being influenced by things like that.

Temptation for many might be the sight of a car with its windows down that entices them to steal. Someone dressed in a provocative manner may entice another to immorality. Anger is a form of temptation in that it entices harm, or at worst, murder. But I think James summed it up best:

Jas 1:14 - But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.

Almost in sum, the new testament teaches that we should purge ourselves of enticing thoughts so that we are not led to act wrongly. "Cleanse the inside of the cup..." means that if you rid yourself of bad thoughts you will naturally rid yourself of bad acts.

 

[ChristianGirl_96]

Temptation is not always easy to resist. Seriously I have struggled with sinful temptations in the past few years. I have been debating whether or not I should leave the church or not. Exercise helps. So does meditation and practicing self control too. Take a deep breath and clear your mind. Write down your bad thoughts in a burn letter then burn it.

 

[Jonaitis]

Temptation, if followed, leads you to sin. But, the being tempted doesn't mean you have sinned.

It is one thing to see a woman bathing on a roof naked (*cough* David), it is another to lust after her in your heart. The temptation is intending to entice you to sin, but you are able to avoid it.

 

[Christgirl67]

Temptation, if followed, leads you to sin. But, the being tempted doesn't mean you have sinned.

It is one thing to see a woman bathing on a roof naked (*cough* David), it is another to lust after her in your heart. The temptation is intending to entice you to sin, but you are able to avoid it.

Thanks for breaking it down, that gives me insight.

 

[Christgirl67]

I can't say that I share your views on secular music. But moving along.

Temptation is, quite simply, something that tempts. But it is a thing that entices us to sin. Secular music may, and in fact I believe it does, entice many people to sin by creating the idea that "everybody's doing it so you should too". Personally I'm long since being influenced by things like that.

Temptation for many might be the sight of a car with its windows down that entices them to steal. Someone dressed in a provocative manner may entice another to immorality. Anger is a form of temptation in that it entices harm, or at worst, murder. But I think James summed it up best:

Jas 1:14 - But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.

Almost in sum, the new testament teaches that we should purge ourselves of enticing thoughts so that we are not led to act wrongly. "Cleanse the inside of the cup..." means that if you rid yourself of bad thoughts you will naturally rid yourself of bad acts.

Thanks for your answer

 

[Christgirl67]

Temptation is not always easy to resist. Seriously I have struggled with sinful temptations in the past few years. I have been debating whether or not I should leave the church or not. Exercise helps. So does meditation and practicing self control too. Take a deep breath and clear your mind. Write down your bad thoughts in a burn letter then burn it.

Yeah its not easy, I try to read my bible so I can gain more insight about things I am confused about, but sometimes I feel like I will not get it right at all.

 

[crossnote]

I have a hard time with understanding temptation.What is the difference between temptation and actually having something bad in your heart? For example, sometimes I am tempted to listen to secular music because some music reminds me of my childhood. If I think that way, but I do not act on it, is that bad or a sin. My example is based my beliefs, I am not trying to debate with anyone on that.

The object of temptation (by the devil or our old nature) is to draw us away from our devotion to God.
We resist that as we are built up by the Word of His grace and Spirit. Satan knows if he can draw our heart away, the rest is easy pickins.

James 1:13-15 KJV
[13] Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: [14] But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. [15] Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Genesis 3:6 KJV
[6] And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.


1 John 2:16-17 KJV
[16] For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. [17] And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

 

[mnphysicist]

Consider that Jesus was tempted after 40 days in the wilderness...

So the temptation isn't sinful in and of itself... but it can easily morph into sin, so in general, we are to flee from it.

Music wise... I've seen folks new in Christ dispose of secular albums, then cassettes, and CD"s, as they felt it was too much of a temptation. I think such is a normal and prudent part of protecting oneself early on. At some point later in life, that may change to where in the potential for sin/temptation goes away, and one can embrace the positive memories of times with ones friends in ones youth through the same music. (This can take decades)

And this is why there isn't truly a "right" or absolute answer as it depends upon the person, where they are in their walk, and their stage of life. (I'm somewhat connected to some dudes huge in the 70's rock scene... and its really cool to see the healing and joy in their lives as they play those old tunes today (which as new Christian's in the 80s would have been far from a prudent idea, despite them trying to restore relationships that drugs and alcohol had screwed up some years prior)_