October 1, 2021: Choose to Scroll

“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Heb. 4:15, NKJV).

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I think it is impossible to not sin. Temptations come my way, and many times I give in to them. The thing is, when a temptation pops into my head, I tend to think I have already sinned, but nothing could be further from the truth.

For example, say I’m scrolling through Instagram and something unholy comes up in my feed. I have a choice: to keep looking at it or scroll away? In this analogy, the Instagram post is a temptation. But did I already sin if I decide to keep scrolling? No! I decided to not cherish that thought, and instead looked for something more holy.

Remember that Jesus was tempted in every way that we have been tempted, but He never once sinned! He “chose to scroll.” And He has the power to help you overcome any temptation.

Ellen White says that Christ “knows by experience what are the weaknesses of humanity, what are our wants, and where lies the strength of our temptations” (The Desire of Ages, p. 329).

We must keep the Word of God in our hearts at all times so that we can overcome the temptations of the devil (Psalm 119:11). Whenever you are tempted, think on holy things to conquer the desire to sin.

Father, help us keep Your Word in our hearts so that we can overcome Satan’s temptations! Amen.

Matthew Ullom is a junior at Blue Mountain Academy in Pennsylvania.