It is definitely true that if we know we are being tested, we tend to do better. Sometimes we are lax or not even thinking about whether we are doing wrong or not. This is especially when we do not think of our encounters in life as tests, or even, heaven forbid, seductions to doing what is wrong.

The First Test, the Temptation in the Garden,

was a disaster for our race. This in the context of being in immediate fellowship with God. The first offender, the woman, knew what correct behavior was, and repeated that to the serpent, and still listened to the misleading explanations of the serpent. When they are first faced with their sin, the woman already knows and says straightforwardly, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” Paul tells us,

“… Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.”
1Tim 2:14 KJV

But the man, though seeing the deception, did not actually do any better, all of which had disastrous consequences for the entire world. Often it is that we, like them, do not truly realize the consequences of our actions.

Temptation, seduction, comes when the potential offense
is something we might enjoy.

Clearly God tests us. Also clearly from James, God does not tempt us, to try to seduce us into evil.

“Let no man say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God,” for God can’t be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one.”
Jas 1:13 WEB

So where is the key?

“But each one is tempted, when he is drawn away by his own lust, and enticed.”
Jas 1:14 WEB

So it is, as the old joke says, “I can resist anything … anything at all … except temptation!” The truth is that we as humans, often do not do well under temptation/testing. How can we turn this bad record around?

Watching would be part of the key to doing better.

“Take heed,” “be careful,” “watch,” are all parts of the same ideas. Even if you think you are doing better than in the past, it may not help.

“Therefore let him who thinks he stands be careful that he doesn’t fall.”
1Cor 10:12 WEB

Yes it is true, the temptations which we face are not unique, but are common to all men, and God does protect His own, 1Cor 10:13. Still,

Jesus said to make it a one-two defense.

“Watch and pray, that you don’t enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Mtt 26:41 WEB

This implies that we may need help beyond our individual capacities, if we are to overcome. We need both awareness of our situations, and to pray to the Father for assistance lest we be overcome! Jesus says to ask for protection. “Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” Mtt 6:13 WEB

Watching changes our behavior, our reactions, and
can help protect us from what we cannot avoid.

KJV is the King James Version, 1611

WEB is the World English Bible, a copyright free revision
of the original ASV American Standard Version 1901