The Battle of the Mind or The Analogy of Temptation

You are standing on an open plain. To your left is a castle, a refuge, a safe place. Now you look to your right and you see something advancing. Whatever it is it doesn't look friendly. It's coming closer, your fear starts to build and you know you can run and take refuge in the castle but something holds you back. This is completely illogical, why aren't you running as fast as you can to where you know you will be safe, away from this advancing force of darkness. The choice is clear and obvious isn't it? This is the analogy of temptation. This is what I wish people would picture every time they're tempted. In the physical world we make smart choices (most of the time) when it comes to danger. We're not going to walk out in front of a passing bus or walk off a cliff. That would be completely illogical and idiotic. So why don't we think of temptation that way? Sometimes we do but what I'm say is why not think of it in this way all the time. If there was a real physical battle going on we would run to our allies not the enemy. Temptation is a spiritual and mental battle. It's a battle none the less. So what person, team, or country would willing want to lose the game/battle/whatever? Does that make sense to go running to the enemy/opposing team and give into what they want...let them win? Certainly not! So I would like for us to picture temptation this way. Temptation is an advancing enemy ready to overtake you in a matter of seconds but there is a refuge readily available to you as well. Now you have two choices: run towards the enemy (who would do that?) or run towards the refuge and be safe and protected. 1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us our God is faithful, he will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear and He will provide us a way of escape from temptation. Run to the castle (provision for the way of escape) and endure the temptation within the walls of the castle (as it is written He is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of need. -Psalm 46:1). Dear friends I hope this is an encouragement to you, the Lord gave me this thought the other day and I knew I had to share it with you. Never stop improving the present moment.