Temptations are invitations to do evil. It looks for loopholes in our hearts that it can exploit. It takes advantage of the greediness that we so hide in our minds, and through our responses to it is how it manifests. Now, we are aware of the bad things it can do to us, and we want to separate from it... But it has grown too strong to resist... How do you resist something that you've somehow grown to love, your mind and body has grown to love?
Overcoming temptation is like how I described in my article about how to overcome impulse buying, I think and I believe that the secret to overcoming these things are connected with our senses. Below, I would like to share to you a few things that I've learned in my life... It took years to find these answers, so I hope that they could make a good impact in your life.
Meditate - Everyday, and every morning you should meditate... It's up to you how you do it, as long as it's not the thing you are avoiding! A person close to me told me, that avoiding temptation is just like charging a cellphone... If you don't meditate hard enough is like a slightly charged phone that would soon dry up in battery. Do this, everyday.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy; meditate on these things. ~ Philippians 4:8 of the NKJV
Do not challenge yourself - Don't try to see if you can resist, just avoid it! The mind and spirit could be willing, but the flesh ALWAYS is weak! If you see it coming, shut your eyes off until it's gone (exaggerated, but true) or look another way, avoid touching, do not even smell or breath for a while if you have to!
There is this saying that prevention is better than cure. I think that temptations are best avoided if you don't put yourself in the situation where you could be tempted in the first place...
Do not decide on a weakened state - If you are hungry, drunk, sleepy, or anything that could fall on your definition of "weakened state" then do not decide until you've overcome yourself. If you're familiar the story of Jesus in the bible, the devil tempted him several times during his weakened state (hungry, or in the verge of death). Thankfully, Jesus always pray to the God the Father so he's always strong.
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak. ~ Matthew 26:41
Have a buddy - Have someone who has been in the situation as you and now free from it. I currently work-out with a buddy... Who pushes me to exercise above my limit when I'm tempted to tell myself that I've had enough.
And the LORD God said, [It is] not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. ~ Genesis 2:18 KJV
Introspect - Think of the things that are most important to you that could be destroyed by this action you are about to take. Are a few moments worth the lifetime lost? Does this go on with all your principles? Is this something you could proudly shout in the streets?
For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? ~ Mark 8:36
Why do I tell you all these things? I'm trying to share to you the secret to richness... I have learned, that while I could become rich, the things I could have in this world does not belong to me. I am a mere steward, entrusted to take care of all the riches I could possibly have, that be money, people, time or other things.
I read from the Go Negosyo book (the green one), one of the profiles of a Filipino entrepreneur (a techno entrepreneur) who is in Silicon Valley (I can't remember his name)... That when you're passionate about doing things, money is only something that comes after... And I do believe him, because the Bible says so...
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. ~ Matthew 6:33
Good day and God Bless!
Filed Under:
Motivational Quotes,
Self Help,
Temptation
Great advice. I am guilty on item two, "Do not challenge yourself". Thanks, "Avoid" is just the keyword pala. Maraming salamat.
Every Word Counts,
Red @ Pinoy Virtual Info-Prenuer
Thanks Red! I hope that you take this advice to heart!
Thanks for sharing this. Very Christian advice. But since we are living in a cruel and wicked world we are all prone to temptation and committing sins. When that happens, admit before God, repent and ask for forgiveness. He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins. http://bit.ly/MoneySummitCebu2011
Hi Stephen! Thanks for dropping by. True enough, a wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah.
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