“Questions and Answers: Resist Temptation”new Age,dec. 2013, 42-43
As strange as it may sound, temptation is necessary for our spiritual growth. If we were not tempted, we would not be able to choose between good and evil (cf). And if we could not choose the good when presented with an alternative, we could not grow spiritually (see2 Nephi 2:11-30).
A key to resisting temptation is consistent obedience. If you give in sometimes, temptation will be harder to resist in the future. If you consistently resist, you will become stronger and it will be easier to resist in the future. Much of the power to resist comes from the Savior's Atonement working in your life. As you do your best to learn and follow the Savior's teachings, the Lord will strengthen you to resist temptation.
The scriptures provide other ways to resist temptation:
“Pray always that you may come out victorious in battle; yes, that you may defeat Satan” ().
“Whoever would hearken to the word of God and hold fast to it would never perish; neither could the adversary's temptations and fiery darts overpower them” (1 Nephi 15:24).
“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you” (Jakob 4:7-8).
It's also important to know that it's not wrong to be tempted. Even Jesus was tempted. “He suffered temptations, but heeded them not” (). You can look to his example—and the examples of many others in the scriptures—to help you.
Pray for strength
To resist temptation, we first need the will and sincere desire to choose the good. It helps me a lot if I imagine a situation in advance and then choose the right one. Another thing that helps me is prayer. As we pray for strength, seek spiritual nourishment, and carefully choose where we hang out, the Holy Spirit can be our constant companion to be with us and warn us.
EstherG., 18, Lower Saxony, Germany
Support each other
I believe we can resist temptation by reading the scriptures daily, praying, exercising self-control, and following the words of the prophet. Resisting temptation strengthens your faith and shows your commitment to Heavenly Father to keep the covenants you have made. Friends at church can also help us because we can support each other. It takes a lot of courage to say no. Remember: “God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). Overcoming temptation brings us closer to Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father.
NancyS., 19, Tultitlán, Mexico
Share your beliefs
In high school, most of my classmates invited me over to drink alcohol and watch p*rnography. I have always said no because I am doing what the Savior wants me to do. I remember it and keep itmy covenants. Sometimes my friends and classmates are not tempted because they already know what my religion is. As we share our beliefs and testimonies with others—especially friends, classmates, neighbors, and family—we will reduce temptation in our environment. I know that by living the gospel we can overcome the temptations in our lives.
RomeoP., 19, NegrosOccidental, Philippines
Listen to the Holy Spirit
I have discovered that when temptation comes, the Holy Spirit tries to warn me to choose the right. Do things—such as praying and reading the scriptures—that will keep the Spirit near you and avoid places where the Holy Ghost cannot go.
RachelO., 13, Pennsylvania, VS
Stand in holy places
My older brother always tells me to 'stand in holy places'. I discovered that it means standing in a place where the temptations are less present or less severe. My stake president taught, “Don't just resist temptation, avoid temptation. There will be times when you have to resist temptation, but it will be easier to live the gospel when temptation is not there to tempt you.
AaronL., 18, Utah, VS
We can decide to do the right thing
The gift of the Holy Ghost helps us distinguish between right and wrong and helps us recognize when we are tempted. We must remember that temptations are tests that help us know when we are doing well and when we are not; and we must know that if we follow the Lord, He will not suffer us to be tempted beyond what we can bear (see1 Corinthians 10:13). We always decide whether to choose the right path instead of the wrong one.
JuanT., 19, Montevideo, Uruguay
Roleplay Choosing the right one
I think it is important to decide in advance about the choices I am going to make. I was unexpectedly confronted with a difficult situation and the outcome was positive, because I had already decided that I would not deviate from my standards. Although I sometimes feel uncomfortable, my family practices role-playing so I know what to say or do when faced with temptation.
Emelyne P., 14, Wyoming, VS
Have good friends
Having good friends who make the right choices is something you can do to avoid temptation. They are a good example. You can call them if you're tempted. They will help you choose the right one. Good friends can remind you to pray, read the scriptures, and obey.
SamE., 17, Washington, VS
