Day 4 – 6:10 p.m. – Yep, it’s earlier today. I’m still at work because Becky didn’t have aerobics today and I didn’t want to go all the way home to then have to come back again for my meeting.
Today’s been pretty good, although I’ve been tempted a few times to "entertain the idea" or stumbleupon stuff. As I thought about these temptations, this 30 day challenge came to mind and I decided to act on the urge to write my thoughts.
Dealing with temptation – what are the steps or keys to coping? I know temptation will never stop – in fact it will probably only get tougher as Satan focuses on the hot buttons in people’s lives.
So, what are the steps? Research tells me :
- Prayer is a defense against the power of temptation : “… ye must watch and pray always, lest ye be tempted by the devil, and ye be led away captive by him … lest ye enter into temptation; for Satan desireth to have you, that he may sift you as wheat.” (3 Ne. 18:15, 18 .) “… be watchful unto prayer continually, that ye may not be led away by the temptation of the devil, that he may not overpower you, … for behold, he rewardeth you no good thing.” (Alma 34:39 .)
- "Submit yourselves therefore to God . Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7 )
- “Be not overcome of evil; but overcome evil with good .” (Rom. 12:21 .)
For me, I feel the best ways have been:
- scripture study and journal writing
- having a plan for the day (not being idle)
- going to bed early
- using prayer as an instant defense mechanism
- talking with my wife about things
I’m grateful that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are there to help, to take me by the hand; I just have to always remember to go to Them in prayer, to implement this knowledge, and to not give in to Satan.
I love my family. Next to Jesus Christ and the Atonement, they are the most important thing in my life. Money, fame, fortune, praise of men, success – none of these things will ever last. There will always be someone who has more. But the love of my family and the closeness we share will endure forever, even beyond death.
I’m grateful for this knowledge. I look forward to class tonight and am glad I’m going.
Nate
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