Every temptation is an opportunity to do good. On the path to spiritual maturity, even temptation becomes a stepping-stone rather than a stumbling block when you realize that it is just as much an occasion to do the right thing as it is to do the wrong thing. Temptation simply provides the choice...Character development always involves a choice, and temptation provides that opportunity...In step one, Satan identifies a desire inside you...Temptation starts when Satan suggests (with a thought) that you give in to an evil desire, or that you fulfill a legitimate desire in a wrong way or at the wrong time. Always be aware of shortcuts. They are often temptations!...Step two is doubt. Satan tries to get you to doubt what God has said about the sin: Is is really wrong?...Step three is deception..."...You can get away with it." "No one will ever know." "It will solve your problem." "...everyone else is doing it." "It is only a little sin..." Step four is disobedience...What began as an idea gets birthed into behavior...The moment you became God's child, Satan, like a mobster hit man, put out a "contract" on you. You are his enemy, and he's plotting your downfall.
Rick Warren The Purpose Driven Life pp201-206
