Author Topic: Temptations (Read 2576 times)

JMC1608 · « **on:** January 26, 2015, 09:26:48 PM »

Hello :)

As a young adult in this evolving era, I often find it difficult to deal with temptations from the devil with all the sin that surrounds me.

As I try to be true to myself and my relationship with God, the people around me do not always see my perspective. There is lying, cheating, stealing, pre-marital sɛҳuąƖ relations, taking the Lord's name in vein at every opportunity, and so forth.

Does anyone have any advice to help guide me away from temptation and sin so that I can stay strong and true to myself as I continue to grow with God?

Thank you!

Cantarella · « **Reply #1 on:** January 26, 2015, 11:01:01 PM »

Total Consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary, who the Devil flees from, is the remedy for all ills.

Read True Devotion to Mary with Total Consecration, According to St. Louis De Montfort.

poche · « **Reply #2 on:** January 27, 2015, 12:59:40 AM »

The first and most important is that you should build a life of prayer every day, not just once in a while.
Second is that you should avoid all of those occasions tha tyou know will lead you to commit sin. If there is a person who is an occasion of sin, stay away from that person. If there is a site on the internet that is an occasion then stay away from that site. If there is a place or situation that is a cause of sin then stay away from that place or situation.

PerEvangelicaDicta · « **Reply #3 on:** January 27, 2015, 01:10:40 AM »

Cantarella's recommendation is excellent.

The purpose of the Church is the salvation of souls, so it follows that your first and foremost responsibility is the salvation of your own soul, which can only be achieved in a state of grace within the Holy Catholic Church.

You are blessed to have a good conscience and a desire to please God. It sounds like you need a wholesale change in lifestyle, which is quite easy to do when you are motivated by love. You should discuss this with a traditional priest, but if you do not have access, some basics:

You say you are surrounded by sin and temptation, then you must drastically limit your exposure to these people. It's your responsibility to minimize temptation as much as possible. Here is a sermon on avoiding occasions of sin:
http://traditionalcatholicsermons.org/index_files/StAlphonsus_FirstSundayAfterEaster_OnAvoidingTheOccasionsOfSin.mp3

Don't fraternize with anyone that fits the description you provided! That means you may have to find new friends, and/or limit your visits to family, and/or minimal contact with co-workers.

Severely curtail your participation in the culture (i.e. television, movies, just about every popular music genre) - you are in the world but not of the world.

Read more, especially traditional Catholic materials. You have to know the Faith to keep the Faith.

Get out into nature.

Listen to classical music.

Find a healthy hobby, take an interesting course, or volunteer (speak to your priest)

Socialize with those who share your values, not those who are "lying, cheating, stealing, pre-marital sɛҳuąƖ relations, taking the Lord's name in vein at every opportunity, and so forth."

Most importantly, stay in a state of grace. Receive the sacraments as often as possible and stay faithful to your daily prayers.

Nadir · « **Reply #4 on:** January 27, 2015, 03:23:03 AM »

JMC, You might find yourself lonely or isolated. Many of us are, but it is harder if you are young. Try to develop good friendships and in the meantime make friends with the saints. Use that spare time you will have to learn the faith, so you will love it. Who knows what God has in store for you!