We have all heard news about religious individuals abusing their offices of trust. They appeared to be self disciplined in every area of life. Their reputations were sealed by their titles yet the darkness of their self indulgence ended up splashed across headlines.
How does one start out with such good intentions and self determination to succeed in a high goal and yet fall so deep into violating others? Are they evil hiding behind religious robes? Are they wolves in sheep clothing? Perhaps. But some are simply individuals who became fooled by their self discipline thinking it was strong enough to protect them from temptation's opportunity.
Paul gives us practical instruction on how to resist temptation. "Set you minds on things above, not on things on the earth. For you have died with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:2). Self constraint does not save us, but a focus on heaven causes self restrain.
Then, "When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory"(Colossians 3:4).
