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Introduction

Temptations, test and trial are normally used interchangeably to represent an attempt to discover and measure the strenght and weakness of a person's true character. Temptation however, is understood further to be where an atmosphere is set to appeal to the weakness of a person to fall. Biblical narratives provides three sources of temptaions ;

• the world(1John 2:15)
• the flesh(Mark 14:38)
• satan(1 Chronicles 21:1, Luke 4:1-4)

James offers in James 1:13, that God does not bring temptation but allow it when the human desire instigated by the flesh and the devil, succumb to pressures and circumstances. Everyone faces temptation at one point in life and young people are not left out.

KEY VERSE: JAMES 1:12-16

Jas 1:12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Jas 1:13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.

Jas 1:14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.

Jas 1:15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

Jas 1:16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.

THE YOUNG PEOPLE

Often human development theories define youth as a place in life between childhood and adulthood. Young people turn to face temptations more because it is a period of transition to establish their identity towards adulthood. This process of growth and development involves lots of decisions and choices with regards to seeking independence and interdependence, in relation to clarity of their rights, roles and responsibilities. When temptations are managed well during this period, it affords better decisions and choices for a balanced spiritual, emotional and psychological or intellectual life. As a result, with sturdy personal identity established, the young person is prevented from risky behaviour and a lot of temptations.

COMMON TEMPTATIONS YOUNG PEOPLE FACE

We live in a decaying age and the moral fibre of the society is not becoming better but worse. Most of temptations facing today's youth have become global issues, not restricted to any one ethnic or religious group. These temptations appear in every human environment; home, school, church, work where the youth are found. The following are very common temptations that young people today are prone to alcohol, drugs, sex, stealing, peer pressure, social acceptance, smoking, porn, wanting to become "famous" violence, money, backstabbing, cheating, gluttony, religious fanatics, aggressiveness, suicidal, crime,resist authority, homosexual ad many others.

THE WAY FORWARD

The bible offers numerous examples of people of different ages and status who faced temptations where some of them were able to overcome and others who could not. Joseph, Shadrack, Meshack and Abedenago are perfect examples of young people who were able to withstand temptations in the home and the community.
In Psalm 119:9-11 David provides that, the keeping and obeying of the word of God is surest way for young person to maintain godly lifestyle and overcome temptation .The foundation of the young people therefore become very important regarding the training received along the developmental stages from childhood. Again, there is the need for conscious strengthening of the religious, social, cultural and educational institution and bodies that make available good moral standards for gradual change. The adult generation must not lower intentional mentoring of young people from childhood by parent and other who may have the opportunity of engaging young people.