MORE ALIKE THAN DIFFERENT

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

Human beings are more alike than they are different.  Granted, there are almost infinite variations from person to person.  It has been said that there are no two snowflakes that are alike, so it is that there are no two people exactly alike.  Still, human beings are more alike than they are different.  That is why those who work in health care can devise treatment protocols that can bring therapy and healing to the human body.

In the areas of mental health and spiritual health it is no less true, we are more alike than we are different.  One of the dynamics of counseling with which the counselor almost always has to deal is the thinking on the part of the one being counseled is, "My case is different.  You might have helped others, but my situation is so different, you will never be able to help me."  But, the truth is, there is a sameness to our problems; they can be remedied if one is willing to accept the therapy.

We are people of flesh who live in the world.  Satan attacks us through the desires and needs of the flesh: food, sex, social relationships being some of the strongest avenues of attack.  Satan also attacks us through the philosophies of the world: pleasure, power, beauty and wealth being the most salient avenues.  Because we are more alike than different, we are all vulnerable to satan's attacks on us through one, or more, means of attack.

The way of escape begins before the attacks come.  Being close to God or Father, and his Son, Jesus Christ, is the best way to thwart Satan's schemes from the very beginning.  In any case, trust this: God will not allow you to be tempted beyond which you are able to stand.  Stand firm, you will make it!  And never forget I John 1:9.

Our Father's Blessings,
Tom