Cheat Days

“No temptation as overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13Dieters have incorporated “cheat days” in their eating program to prevent feeling the pangs of deprivation. It’s supposed to be a “one day” event where you are able to lay aside the restrictions of food choices and have something that you enjoy. That’s fine if it works, unfortunately a “cheat day” can easily turn into a cheat week and then a cheat month and before you know it you’ve abandoned your plan altogether.That is the way powerless people respond when restrictions or rules are placed on them. Yes, God has given us restrictions and guidelines of how to live a morally upright life and we demonstrated an inability to follow them (e.g. Ten Commandments). That does not negate the fact that the Commandments are there to guide and provide a moral compass for us. But more than that, He gave us these guidelines simply because He loves us! As a loving Father they (guidelines) help us and keep us safe, preventing us from deliberately walking into danger. Not obeying God’s guidelines is nothing short of a spiritual cheat day, a day where we are allowed to openly sin because it’s hard to exercise proper conduct every day. Just hearing that statement let’s you know that it would be ridiculous to live in a world with spiritual cheat days.If you really don’t want to feel deprived, physically or spiritually, you need the power of God to help you abstain from the things that cause you harm.You have the power to achieve whatever you set your mind to do, to overcome any and all temptation. No desire, no impulse, no urge, no inclination, nothing can overcome the power of God.Who needs a cheat day? In Christ we have everything we need!!