Many of us have an inbred, silly optimism that because I am a good person, it will never happen to me... re temptation of the self-destructive nature. This is exemplified in our trust in government: "They would never do that because it is against the law." Yeah, right!
Any student of the Bible should be able to recognize the constant tendency of men to drift away from God into idolatry and self-destructive behavior. We would be wise to take the lesson. "When the illusion of sickness or sin tempts you, cling steadfastly to God and His idea..." (S&H) Not IF but WHEN!!!
WHEN I experience success of any sort, do I ask if it has brought me closer to God, more reliant on Him? If not, I have succumbed to temptation.
WHEN I proudly appreciate my perennial health, do I ask if it has brought me closer to God, more reliant on Him? If not, I have succumbed to temptation.
WHEN I am admired and praised for my family, or for anything!, do I ask if it has brought me closer to God, more reliant on Him? If not, I have succumbed to temptation.
WHEN I am having a difficult time, do I ask if it has brought me closer to God, more reliant on Him? If not, I have succumbed to temptation.
The sooner we get the IF out of there, and watch for the WHEN, the more steady will be our progress, the more real God will become to us so that we can confidently say, "To Thee in every trouble flee, my best, my ever Friend."