Be Uncommon
1 Cor 10:13 - Part 1
White houses are common. Black cars are common. Sunshine in July is common.
On the other hand, pink houses and purple cars are uncommon. A monsoon in July, at least in my neck of the woods, is unheard of.
T-shirts and blue jeans we see everyday and easily go unnoticed, but tuxedos catch our eye. We tend to remember things that are uncommon, but the common things we really don't give a second thought to.
We remember driving by a pink house or meeting a purple car because they are uncommon, but we probably make no memory of the 20 white houses we pass in just a few miles or the 5 taupe minivans we meet on a short stretch of the interstate.
On the other hand, pink houses and purple cars are uncommon. A monsoon in July, at least in my neck of the woods, is unheard of.
T-shirts and blue jeans we see everyday and easily go unnoticed, but tuxedos catch our eye. We tend to remember things that are uncommon, but the common things we really don't give a second thought to.
We remember driving by a pink house or meeting a purple car because they are uncommon, but we probably make no memory of the 20 white houses we pass in just a few miles or the 5 taupe minivans we meet on a short stretch of the interstate.
1 Corinthians 10:13
Temptation is common. It presents itself in an array of situations and
circumstances and is often so common, that it doesn't capture our attention. We
take notice of things that are uncommon, but the common things make no mark on
our minds.
circumstances and is often so common, that it doesn't capture our attention. We
take notice of things that are uncommon, but the common things make no mark on
our minds.
No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man.
There is no temptation placed before us that is uncommon. There is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiates 1:9). Whatever you face, however difficult it may seem, it is common. It is not new. You are not the only one who has experienced it. Whatever your struggle, someone else has experienced the same one.
But our response to temptation doesn't have to be common, it can be UNCOMMON. It can be different for you.
But our response to temptation doesn't have to be common, it can be UNCOMMON. It can be different for you.
God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also.
How can we be uncommon?
1- Take notice of the common. We naturally remember the uncommon things. If you are tempted by something that is not typical for you, you will recognize it as a temptation right away, but that concept is not so true with the common things. Watch out for the spiritual white houses and taupe minivans and the effect they have on you spiritually. They're everywhere. Watch for the areas of your life that are repeat areas of sin. Those are the common temptations. It could be words we say, thoughts we have, attitudes we portray- just a few of my common ones:). They are typically everyday frustrations where we fall short of God's standard, the things that we think we will never get right.
2- Look for the way of escape. I used to think this was hard. I used to think I had to analyze the situation I was in and come up with a way to escape myself. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says he provides the way of escape. My friends this one is easy. It's the same escape route.
Every. Single. Time.
What did Jesus say in John 14:6?
1- Take notice of the common. We naturally remember the uncommon things. If you are tempted by something that is not typical for you, you will recognize it as a temptation right away, but that concept is not so true with the common things. Watch out for the spiritual white houses and taupe minivans and the effect they have on you spiritually. They're everywhere. Watch for the areas of your life that are repeat areas of sin. Those are the common temptations. It could be words we say, thoughts we have, attitudes we portray- just a few of my common ones:). They are typically everyday frustrations where we fall short of God's standard, the things that we think we will never get right.
2- Look for the way of escape. I used to think this was hard. I used to think I had to analyze the situation I was in and come up with a way to escape myself. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says he provides the way of escape. My friends this one is easy. It's the same escape route.
Every. Single. Time.
What did Jesus say in John 14:6?
John 14:6
I am the way.
Do you see why it's the same every single time? Because He is the way. HE IS THE ESCAPE ROUTE. He is the same every single time. No matter what temptation we face, He is the answer to it. We don't have to be spiritual giants to avoid temptation, if we don't know what to do, He is the answer. Once I notice the temptation, I can call on Him and say, "Jesus, this trips me up every time and I can't handle this, but You can." The temptation suddenly isn't as appealing as it was just seconds before. Trust me friends, this works. I have tried it. The battle is won when we call on His name.
....In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world. John 16:33
It is uncommon, my friends, to take the escape route. It really is a less traveled road, but it leads us to a much better place.
Be Uncommon. Take the Escape Route.
Part 2 of this verse next time. Until then, be blessed!
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