How To Deal With Temptation
A few days ago, I asked you guys how you personally deal with temptation. This is a compilation of all the answers sent in. I thought it'd be helpful to see the different suggestions.
Someone said that the answers seemed too legalistic but, in my own opinion, you need to have a battle plan when dealing with temptation. If you're serious about giving up a certain sin, you have to run from it. Pray, read scripture, or take a deep breath. These things help you get out of the moment where sin seems inevitable.
You gotta remember, we're in a war. Seriously. It might sound over dramatic but it's true. The evil ones made it their number one mission to make us feel hurt and unworthy of God's love. One thing I read today summarized the entire point of why we "fight the good fight". We shouldn't stop sinning because we want to impress God or win Him over. We stop sinning because God has already won us. Take a moment to let that sink in.
& without further ado, here are the answers you guys sent in:
1. Since a lot of people will deal with the applicable aspects of sin and temptation, let me say a word on the corruption itself. I think for me, a way I deal with it is to let myself know that this is not the way things should be. We so long for a perfect place, for a perfect ruler, a perfect king, that we try to make it ourselves! Sometimes, its just God egging us on to remember, this is not the way things should be, hope for more and trust in me. This gets me through my repentance and sin.
2. Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. 2 Timothy 2:22
You don't deal with temptation, you run away from it. Joseph literally run away from Potiphar's wife when she tried to seduce him. Temptation is doing exactly the same, seducing us. It is better to sufer for not pleasing your desires than dealing with sin's consequences. We always try to deal with sin thinking we will be stronger, but it will never be like that. We are always going to be tempted but the decision of running away will always be ours.
3. There are several friends I can text if I am ever in a tough situation and they will reply right away that they're praying for me and quote Scripture. They're all very close so they usually know exactly what I'm talking about but even if not, they will still pray. It reminds me I'm not alone and there are people supporting and counting on me. I was actually pretty relieved to see your post because sometimes I feel like I'm the only one who stumbles.
4. High tail it away from whatever it is. If I have to leave where I am, I do. There’s no halfway. If you have to cut something out of your life completely so you can work on it with God without the temptation, do that. That’s what I do. Sometimes I spend whole nights on my knees in front of God because I know if I don’t I’ll go right back to whatever was tempting me.
2 Timothy 2:22 says “Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” That’s not figurative. Just get up and run to Him; don’t compromise; don’t try to work around it; give it all up if even a part threatens to come between you and God. He will appoint a time for you to return to those things once He’s equipped you to handle them. Be strong and God bless.
5. Remind myself of the beauty of the cross. Seriously, when I’m facing temptation, Jesus’ loves helps me withstand it all. He’s just so good.
6. Dear seek faith, i’m also a christian teen. when temptation comes i ask the Holy Spirit to intervene. I tell my spirit: you dont need that.
7. I avoid it. Distract myself with stuff I have to do…Not the best way but I don’t have much else.
8. Consistent focus on the word and daily prayer. constant fellowship with other believers. build self discipline gradually until perfected.
9. Most times it’s easier to avoid temptation than to resist it.
10. The Gospel. The Bible. Prayer. Yippee! :D He’s given us everything we need!
11. I usually think of Jesus. Also, the feeling of guilt is something that I don’t handle well so whenever I overcome temptation, I feel awesome!
12. I try to think about Jesus and what he would do and remind myself that it will not satisfy me in the long run; Jesus will. I will also pray, and try to read scripture.
13. I just pray. a lot. and grit my teeth. and scream in my pillow sometimes. I laugh, but it’s true. and Jesus’ outstanding grace and love for us that no human has.
14. Honestly, sometimes I cave… but I try not to let the guilt and shame get me down. I ask God for forgiveness. But even so, I remember the cross, and what happened that fateful, beautiful night, and it helps me stop. I also remember if there is a way in, God provides a way out.
15. I don’t have an elaborate and amazing way to dodge temptation, but what I do is quickly start repeating Jesus’ name and turn away. Run to Him.
16. I just basically stop where I am and talk to God… Usually, it goes away almost completely after that. If you ask, He will take it away.
There you have it.
It's not going to be easy but God will get you through it. & btw, many many thanks to all the kind folks who took the time to send in their answers. Bless you. xx
prguitarman
kaledo-art
titsay
janainaart
blakekathryn
annaxmalina
turnnoffyourmind
tangentwithtanner
