VERY TEMPTING

Not long ago when our daughter was born, a very kind neighbour visited us and gave us a bouquet of flower and a bottle of Baileys Irish Cream. The beautifully arranged flowers found a good space in the living room but the drink I hid in a cupboard in the kitchen. 
We do not drink anything alcohol but I had tasted alcohol in the past when I had not become born-again. I knew what it did to me in my college days. Nobody in my family ever knew I drank.
Despite not having tasted alcohol for over 22yrs, I found myself not completely out its grip. The Baileys was in my cupboard for almost a year. 
Now listen to this! I was going to this cupboard at minimum of thrice a week just to look at the bottle and often with the desire to at least have a little shot. Unbelievable! But yes, I did.
Eventually, I told my husband what I have been battling with. He had a good laugh and said he knew but was just waiting to see if one day I'll open the drink. 
Then he said something very profound. He made me understand that just like any other sin or habit, the craving and desire never leaves but the power of Christ gives us the grace to master and control the craving. While speaking to me, he grabbed the drink and took it out into the chute.
This drink may represent different things to each one of us. We may be constantly finding ourselves down the same sinful route and still being mastered by our cravings and desires, making us fall for the same old temptation that lures us into sin all of the time. 
There is good news!
Jesus died for all Sin. We have victory over all sin. As we battle on, we draw constantly from the victory that Christ has given us. But here are a few things to note:

1. There will always be temptations and great tempting moments
2. The less we feed on the thoughts of the sin, the earlier it dies. The more we feed on the cravings, the greater the chances of falling for it.
3. Always have a spirit filled accountability partner, people who love you enough to be blunt with the truth and willing to give both physical and spiritual help when needed.
4. Be honest with your struggles and not hide them under your spiritual cap.
5. Do all the necessary physical precautions just as much as you engage it spiritually.
6. Have full confidence and faith in the power of Christ and His shed blood knowing that God is already aware of your battles even before you come to Him with it.
7. Be determined within you that you will no longer be ruled or subjected to your old passions and its orgies.
8. Every form of our hedonistic tendencies are targeted towards rebellion against God. Do all within you to resist. The time is short and the Lord is at hand.
9. Listen to the still small voice within you sounding you with note of caution. That is the Holy Spirit.
10. Jesus saves from all sin, slavery and bondage. He is our strong tower and our refuge.

(James 1:12-13)