Answer: The Bible says, “The whole world lies in wickedness” (1 John 5:19). The Lord Jesus said, “This is an evil generation” (Luke 11:29). Under the domain of Satan, the whole world becomes more evil and darker. Countries and people all fight against each other for their own interests; various sins and violences continue increasing; pornography, gambling, and drugs spread everywhere; cultural and artistic realm is ruined; man’s spiritual world is empty. People all don’t yearn for the righteousness, don’t seek for the light, and don’t understand what the truth is. Instead, they uphold science and knowledge, pursue money, idle away all their time in eating, drinking and having fun. They indulge in the flesh and cling to the sinful pleasures. Then how could we avoid the influence of the worldly evil trends? The Lord Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life…” (John 14:6). “I am the light of the world: he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12). Thus, we know that only God is the truth, the way, and the life. Only God can guide and lead us to free from Satan’s influence of darkness to walk the right way and live in the light. The following two ways will help you achieve the care and protection of God and get rid of Satan’s tests and temptation and avoid the influence of evil trends.
First, Always Pray to God and Live Before God, Thus Actively Staying Away From Temptations
Every corner of this materialistic society—particularly fancy hotels, expensive restaurants, KTVs and other entertainment places—is full of Satan’s temptations. Without the capability to overcome sins, we are so envious of those people around us who often go to these entertainment places and outwardly seem to live freely. Unconsciously, we will be attracted by these things. And once we get the chance to be close to these places, gradually, we will sink into it deeper and deeper, and finally be devoured by the evil trends. Thus, if we want to avoid the influence of the evil trends, we should always pray to God and ask Him to protect us so we can live before Him and can actively stay away from people, events and things that might tempt us. Just as the Bible says, “A prudent man foresees the evil, and hides himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished” (Proverbs 22:3). And God’s words also say, “Do not come into contact with things that can draw your heart away to the outside, and do not come into contact with people who can draw your heart away from God. Drop whatever it is that can distract your heart from being close to God, or stay away from it. That way is more beneficial to your life.” From these words, we can see that actively staying away from temptations is a wise choice. Just like Job in the Bible, he pursued to fear God and shun evil during his whole life. Though he possessed untold masses of wealth, and sheep and oxen that covered a mountain, in order to live before God at all times he kept himself in check. He had a reverent heart, and he often offered sacrifices for fear that he would offend God. Besides, he didn’t take advantage of his wealth to enjoy the pleasures of the flesh, and he never even joined his sons and daughters in feasting. All he did was just insist on walking the way of fearing God and shunning evil. So, Job set a good example for us to follow.
Second, View Things According to God’s Words and Seek God’s Will to See Through Satan’s Tricks and Thus Refuse Temptations
Satan revels in tempting us at any time and in any place and disturbing our life. So, what should we do to win victory over its temptations when they befall us? Only by praying God and seeking God’s will in everything, can we get the guidance of God’s words. After understanding the truth from God’s words, we will get the way to practice. God says, “My words are the forever unchanging truth. I am the supply of life for man and the only guide for mankind…” “Man’s escape from the influence of darkness is based on My words, and if man cannot practice in accordance with My words, they will not escape from the bondage of the influence of darkness.” “Because the essence of God is holy, that means that only through God can you walk the bright, right road through life; only through God can you know the meaning of life, only through God can you live out a real life, possess the truth, know the truth, and only through God can you obtain life from the truth. Only God Himself can help you shun evil and deliver you from the harm and control of Satan. Besides God, no one and nothing can save you from the sea of suffering so that you suffer no longer: This is determined by the essence of God.” Truth comes from God and God’s words can supply our life and be the guide of our life. We should read more of God’s words and understand more of truths from it, then we will have the discernment of different kinds of things. Gradually, we are able to see clearly what is from God, what is from Satan, what negative things Satan used to corrupt us, what is the result of following Satan, how to practice is in line with God’s will etc.. Only after having the discernment between the positive and negative, can we see through Satan’s schemes and defeat various tests and temptations of Satan. Keeping away from the influence of the worldly evil trends, we will live in the light of God and get the blessings and protection of God.