A holy character does not shield you from temptation—Jesus was tempted!

When Satan tempts us, his sparks fall on dry kindling. But in Christ's case? It was like striking sparks on water. Yet the enemy kept at his evil work. Now think—if the devil keeps striking when there's no chance of success, how much harder will he work when he knows what flammable stuff our hearts are made of? You may become wonderfully sanctified by the Holy Spirit, but expect that great dog of hell to keep barking at you still.

We expect temptation in the busy haunts of men. But even isolation won't protect us. Jesus Christ was led away from all human society into the wilderness, and there the devil tempted him. Solitude has its charms and benefits. It can help us fight the lust of the eye and the pride of life. But the devil will follow us into the most lovely retreats.

Do not suppose that only the worldly-minded suffer dreadful thoughts and blasphemous temptations. Even spiritual-minded persons endure the same attacks! In the holiest position, we may suffer the darkest temptation. The utmost consecration of spirit will not insure you against Satanic assault. Christ was consecrated through and through. It was his meat and drink to do the will of him that sent him—and yet he was tempted!

Your hearts may glow with a seraphic flame of love to Jesus, and still the devil will try to drag you down to Laodicean lukewarmness. If you will tell me when God permits a Christian to lay aside his armor, I will tell you when Satan has left off tempting. Like the old knights in wartime, we must sleep with helmet and breastplate buckled on, for the arch-deceiver will seize our first unguarded hour to make us his prey.

The Lord keep us watchful in all seasons, and give us a final escape from the jaw of the lion and the paw of the bear.