This is something I find rather easy to do, it must be part of my rescuer mentality. So I am encouraged today in reading 1 Corinthians that there are at least two, maybe three, principles that I can engage with others that will help them and help me.

Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. – 1 Corinthians 10:24  ESV

While this one might be rather simple and straightforward, this one is much harder.

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13  ESV

If I am going to help others with their temptations, I am going to have to keep practicing getting over mine. Here are a few steps, in no particular order, which I have used to help me.

God’s Word: One of the key ingredients to a successful ministry with the Navigators is the practice of memorizing scripture. For in the moments when the temptation comes, a word from God changes the landscape immediately from me to Him. He enters the realm at the moment and the lure no longer is there.

Prayer:  I go back to the Lord’s Prayer again – lead us not into temptation – if I cannot stop the temptation, He can.

Shield of Faith:  No matter how many darts are thrown my way, I stand on my faith with a God I know has a purpose for me and I trust that purpose.

Look to Jesus:  He simply endured every temptation and yielded to none. The same Holy Spirit that empowered Jesus to endure is there for me as well. It cannot be done through self-effort, but through Spirit enablement.

Ultimately, it is in understanding and grasping our nature and God’s power. Jesus taught His disciples to pray and to watch. It is God’s grace that allows me to pursue holiness.

Sometimes it takes radical steps not to sin. It might very well mean that I need to take prompt, decisive action against whatever is drawing me away from following Jesus. I know I have relied on God to get me out of some potentially messy situations. He has delivered me even from situations I knew nothing about, and I believe He has given me the grace to continue on my journey in pursuit of holiness.

And so what happens when someone starts to look after me. In looking after me that have some strong words of their own to give me because I have messed up.

Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness;
    let him rebuke me—it is oil for my head;
    let my head not refuse it… – Psalm 141:5  ESV

This Psalm was part of my reading today. I can say that I look for a fresh anointing every day. I could miss it if I did not accept correction. I try to receive any blame, correction, or fault expressed to me, humbly and tenderly, and taking those words to my Father to see what it is He is trying to say to me.

There is a lot of energy given to looking after others and being looked after. I pray that the Holy Spirit will fill us as we serve and are being served.