Have you ever felt like temptation is being dangled right in front of your nose, like a matador taunting a bull? With the red cape of temptation so commonplace in society today, our human instincts make it easy to justify being lured.

In fact, most people honestly look for ways to justify, excuse or push aside the fact they’ve been tempted by those tantalizing urges. Today, you will no longer be one of those people. And it isn’t something to be ashamed of, either!

Being tempted is not a sin. The Bible tells us Jesus himself was tempted in every way. “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15)

The enemy is not creative. He is sneaky, conniving, wicked, yet so skillfully and beautifully makes suggestions to entice our minds… that they may even sound like a good idea. Often the enemy will leave breadcrumbs for you, and falling for that is OKAY.

For some, the obvious, outward sin is a problem. But sometimes, it’s not the obvious, outward sin that causes you problems. It could be those battles you persuaded yourself to believe were justifiable or okay, that can be the real issues.

So what’s the difference, you might wondering? Things like stealing, adultery, lying, murder are obvious sins – correct? But other sins such as unforgiveness, obsessive thinking, covetousness and even to some extent greed manifesting itself as anxiety over money, are less obvious sins.

“Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.” (James 1:15) It’s all sin and the payment for sin is the same – whether it is “obvious” sin or the sneaky kind.

You see, the enemy only knows your past and he will try to lead you down that sneaky path, covered with the breadcrumbs of temptation. But if you have received His forgiveness, God does not see your past! “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)

If you find yourself tempted by the enemy’s waving red cape, calling you like a bull to his own destruction, know this isn’t from God. Be wary of the sneakiness and treachery the enemy will try to lay out for you! Focus on your spiritual success this season, not those taunting excuses and justifications.

I hope today’s message cleared up a few things for you. Leave me your comments below and be sure to Like and Share today’s message.

We’ve already reached the midpoint in the week, which means you might already be feeling burned out. Join us for The Dani Johnson Show at 7 am on or demand when you’re ready to tune in!  Check out where you can find us on your TV or radio today or simply stream the show live on our website. Please join me today for this uplifting discussion!

In great faith,

P.S. Like what you read here? Just hit the “Like,” “Share” and “Tweet” buttons at the top of the page! That will help your friends and followers find this spiritual message!