Can you resist temptations

Sin deceives in a variety of ways. Instead, he masks the temptation to sin as a promise for joy and satisfaction. This is not what the Bible teaches. The Bible reminds us the temptations we face are common to everyone 1 Corinthians Because Jesus understands our temptations Hebrews , we can go to Him for help in our time of need, for God is faithful and provides a way of escape, so we can endure the temptation.

Distract yourself with a healthier activity. Distraction is a great way to avoid temptation because it shifts your thoughts to something else. You might distract yourself by engaging in your hobby or calling a friend. Let's say you just broke up with your partner and are tempted to text them, even though you know it's a bad idea. You might instead start a conversation with a friend or distract your attention with your favorite hobby.

Tell yourself you'll indulge your craving in 15 mins, then delay it longer. This helps you avoid giving into temptation until your craving passes. It's easier to wait 15 minutes than it is to think you can never have what you want, so you can use this technique to trick your brain.

Eventually, your craving should fade away [2] X Research source For example, let's say you're trying to lose weight but you keep craving candy. Set a timer for 15 minutes, then start doing another task. Keep delaying the treat for 15 minutes until you aren't tempted anymore. List the consequences of giving into your temptation. Imagine what will happen if you give into temptation.

What will your life look like in the long run? How will you feel tomorrow? Facing the consequences can help you resist whenever temptation arises. You might imagine yourself telling your partner and losing your relationship. You might be at a party where you're tempted to use illegal drugs. Imagine getting caught by your parents or police. Consider what could happen if your school or job found out. You might get kicked out of your school activities and may have a harder time getting into the college you hope to attend.

Visualize yourself resisting the temptation to increase your resolve. This helps you feel like resistance is possible. For example, let's say you're trying to save money for a trip, but you feel tempted to buy an expensive new pair of shoes. You could visualize yourself walking out of the store without making a purchase.

Then, imagine yourself reaching your savings goal and going on your trip. Keep your visualizations positive. If a new obstacle arises in your mind, imagine yourself overcoming that, as well. Using visualization takes practice, so it might not feel as helpful at first. Label your temptation so you can confront it. Instead, acknowledge how you feel.

Think about why you might feel that way, and then list other, healthier ways you can satisfy your needs. I can get a similar boost by drinking green tea, instead. Method 2. Remind yourself why avoiding temptation is important to you. Having a strong internal drive to avoid temptation leads to more willpower when you face temptation. National Institutes of Health Go to source Reflect on your reasons, which might include things like improving your health, sticking to your morals, or achieving a goal you set for yourself.

You can look to His example—and the examples of many others in the scriptures—to help you. To withstand temptation, we first need the will and the sincere desire to choose the right. It helps me a lot if I imagine a situation in advance and then choose the right.

Another thing that helps me is prayer. If we will pray for strength, seek out spiritual nourishment, and choose carefully where we hang out, then the Holy Ghost can be our constant companion to be with us and to warn us. I think that by reading the scriptures daily, praying, exercising self-control, and following the words of the prophet, we can resist temptation.

Resisting temptation strengthens your faith and shows your commitment to Heavenly Father to keep the covenants you have made. Having friends in the Church can also help us because we can support each other. It takes a lot of courage to say no. When we overcome temptation, we draw nearer to Jesus Christ and to our Heavenly Father. In high school, most of my classmates invited me to drink alcohol and watch pornography. But there are practical things we can do to grow stronger and smarter in our struggle against sin.

Overcoming temptation can be accomplished by sticking to five biblical practices. James explains that we are tempted when we become enticed by our own natural desires. The first step toward overcoming temptation is to recognize the human tendency to be seduced by our own fleshly cravings. The temptation to sin is a given, so don't be surprised by it.

Expect to be tempted daily, and be prepared for it. The apostle Peter reminds us to stay on the lookout:. The New Living Translation of 1 Corinthians is easy to understand and apply:.

When you come face to face with temptation, look for the way out— the way of escape —that God has promised. Then skedaddle. Run as fast as you can. Hebrews says that God's Word is living, active, and powerful. Did you know you can carry a weapon that will make your thoughts obey Jesus Christ? According to Ephesians , one of our weapons is the Word of God :. Jesus overcame the devil's temptations in the wilderness with the Word of God.

If it worked for him, it will work for us.