Victory Over Temptation
Bruce Wilkinson, General Editor
Harvest House Publishers, 1998, 263 pages
Review by Phillip Shackelford II
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Every so often in life a person is sent a gentle reminder about having preconceived notions, be they about experiences, places, or---most commonly---human beings. That reminder can extend even to something as simple as reading a book.
And so it was as I prepared to read "Victory Over Temptation." I picked up this book with the thought already in my mind that this would be an esoteric, high-handed book with no practical advice on how to truly overcome life's many temptations. A litany for clergy, not the layperson.
I could not have been more wrong. This book, which is a compilation of writings by notables like Max Lucado, Charles Swindoll, Bill Hybells, Chuck Colson, Jack Hayford, J.I. Packer, and 22 others including Wilkinson himself, is teeming with everyday, practical advice from a Christian spiritual standpoint as well as real world common sense approaches.
I am sure each reader will take away something unique from this book that may help them with their own personal temptations. There will be a chapter or article that will speak directly to them
about issues on which they have been praying for guidance.
A chapter that practically reached out and grabbed me was "Leading A Secret Thought Life" by Patrick Morley. In it, Morely describes how even the most holy among us in our actions and behaviors fall well short of what God wants for us in our private thoughts. He recounts stories others have shared with him, and from his own experiences, regarding the surprisingly obscene, hostile, or otherwise unholy secret thoughts of men and women.
To be clear this book is not a volume that you simply read, put down, and shout "Praise God, I'm cured!" Think of it instead as a workbook or study guide for achieving personal holiness and avoiding the many traps that have been set for us---a companion to the Holy Bible that will have you returning to re-read and in some cases re-learn what you have read.
"Victory Over Temptation" is a tool for spiritual growth that does not limit itself to clergy or laypersons alone but has words of wisdom that can guide everyone. I highly recommend it to anyone (read everyone of us) who struggles daily with temptations of all descriptions.
Phillip Shackelford II was raised in the Baptist tradition of Christianity. He enjoys drawing illustrations and listening to a wide variety of recorded music.
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