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Tempting, Isn't it?

Oscar Wilde, once said "I can resist everything except temptation." However the Bible would disagree, "God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it (1Corinthians 10:13)

Temptations on their own are not the problem, it is only when we give into them that they lead us down the path of sin. On the contrary, resisting them actually makes us stronger and holier. The reason we fall into sin is because temptations appear in the disguise of something good. Greek mythology speaks of Sirens, which were dangerous monsters that used to sing sweet enchanting music to lure sailors on to rocky shores resulting in shipwrecks and death. In the same way even sin entered the world when Eve, decided to eat the forbidden fruit, which on its own seemed harmless and was probably tasty but in her doing so, she defied God, bringing destruction to herself and to the human race. I know of people who took up smoking simply to fit into a friend circle. However, their need to form connections, led to habits that they couldn't quit. Hence its probably wise to nip temptations in the bud and here are a few ways to do so:

1. Don't put yourself in a situation that you know will be difficult to resist: Temptations usually start with the eyes, then you begin to desire it in your heart and then you finally act on it and it becomes a sin. So the best time to back away is probably when you see something that is not right. I know of people who say life is too short to deny yourself the experience and so they believe in experimenting, confident that they won't get hooked on. The problem with that is, it is easier said than done. Almost every chain smoker started off with one harmless drag of a cigarette. You have to be extremely strong willed or have a strong support group to stop you from getting hooked on to things. Then again, when you knowingly put yourself in a situation that you know is not right, that in itself is a sin. It also begs the question of are you being a good witness of Christ by your actions? When I was younger, my dad never allowed me to go for sleepovers or trips to Goa with my friends and I never really understood it then. However, with time I realized that my friends who regularly went on overnights picked up some bad habits like smoking, drinking or experimenting with drugs which they would carry on with in their daily life. By not being in that situation, a desire for such things never arose, until my mind was able to comprehend better and make the conscious decision, not to indulge in such activities.

2. Walk away from it: You can advise but you can't always change people and sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is simply walk away from a situation which you feel is poisonous for your physical and spiritual well-being. In our day, its media that is a bigger issue than people because you can't ignore it. Something as simple as browsing the net could put you to the test when  pornographic ads appear on your browser. If you think there is no harm in indulging yourself, know that you are consciously or unconsciously influencing your thoughts and as the Book of Proverbs warns, you need to be careful how you think, your life is shaped by your thoughts. It leads to other evils such as lust and sexual immorality which is a sin against your own body which is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

Saying No, is essential and often very difficult, you will often be ridiculed, feel left out or may even lose a few friends along the way. But do not live to please others, live a life that is simply pleasing to God, who called you to be holy, as he is Holy. Proverbs 1:10 says " My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them." Consistency is the key to holiness, once you have chosen the path to righteousness, don't step off even for a minute, because it is difficult to get back on.

3. Fill your life with goodness: Let your life be so full of the Holy Spirit that there is no place for anything else to enter. It is only when your life is empty that you fall prey to temptations. Surround yourself with good company. Sing praises to God, dance with joy like David as you worship the Lord. Be a comfort to those in distress and a light to those in darkness. You cannot hide away locked up at home and expect to live a holy life. "No one lights a lamp and hides it" When you are alive with the Holy Spirit you got to go out and show the world what it feels like to be intoxicated by the love of God.

No one ever became a saint by their own strength, it is always the grace of God that saves us. However, it is one when we co-operate with God's grace that great things happen.

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