HELP FOR THE FAMILY/YOUNG PEOPLE

How to Resist Temptation

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Know your weaknesses. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Likewise, your resolve to do what is right is most likely to break in the areas in which you are most vulnerable....  Which areas do you need to guard against? -Bible principle:  James 1:14. 

Anticipate temptation.  Think of situations where you are likely to face temptation. Mentally rehearse how you will resist if such temptation occurs. -Bible principle: Proverbs 22:3. 

Strengthen your conviction.  The Bible says that when tempted to engage in sexual immorality, Joseph said:  "How could I commit this great badness and actually sin against God?" (Genesis 39:9)  The phrase "how could I" shows that Joseph had strong convictions about what was right and wrong. Do you? 

Find supportive friends. You can remove much temptation in your life by choosing as associates those who share your moral convictions.  The Bible says:  "The one walking with the wise will become wise." -Proverbs 13:20. 

Avoid circumstances that will make temptation harder to resist. For example:   

* Do not allow yourself to be alone with a member of the opposite sex. 

* Avoid using the Internet at a time or a place that might make it tempting for you to view pornography.

* Stay away from people whose speech and conduct make wrongdoing look attractive.

Which guidelines  could you set for yourself to help you avoid being brought into temptation? -Bible principle: 2 Timothy 2:22.

Pray for help. Jesus told his disciples: "Pray continually, so that you may not enter into temptation."  (Matthew 26:41)  The  fact is, Jehovah God wants you to resist temptation, and he can help you to do so.  The Bible says:  "He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but along with temptation he will also make the way out so that you can be able to endure it." -1 Corinthians 10:13.

Next time: THE BIBLE'S VIEWPOINT/IMAGES

From the Awake! magazine