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Author Topic: Temptations  (Read 2172 times)

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Offline JMC1608

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Temptations
« on: January 26, 2015, 09:26:48 PM »
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  • 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!


    Offline Cantarella

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    Temptations
    « Reply #1 on: January 26, 2015, 11:01:01 PM »
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  • 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.
    If anyone says that true and natural water is not necessary for baptism and thus twists into some metaphor the words of our Lord Jesus Christ" Unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Spirit" (Jn 3:5) let him be anathema.


    Offline poche

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    Temptations
    « Reply #2 on: January 27, 2015, 12:59:40 AM »
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  • 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.    

    Offline PerEvangelicaDicta

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    Temptations
    « Reply #3 on: January 27, 2015, 01:10:40 AM »
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  • 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.






    Online Nadir

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    Temptations
    « Reply #4 on: January 27, 2015, 03:23:03 AM »
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  • 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!  
    Help of Christians, guard our land from assault or inward stain,
    Let it be what God has planned, His new Eden where You reign.


    Online Ladislaus

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    Temptations
    « Reply #5 on: January 27, 2015, 01:03:31 PM »
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  • I would add in particular to at least do the Three Hail Marys.
    http://www.catholictradition.org/Mary/three.htm

    Above that I highly recommend the Holy Rosary, 15 decades of possible, but absolutely at least 5.  And I also recommend that the Holy Rosary be done with an idea of meditation behind it, so spend a minutes or two meditating on the mystery before reciting each decade.  Also, try to make sure you do it during quiet time.

    Offline JMC1608

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    Temptations
    « Reply #6 on: February 02, 2015, 09:09:29 PM »
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  • Quote from: PerEvangelicaDicta
    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.






    Offline Matto

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    Temptations
    « Reply #7 on: February 02, 2015, 09:14:48 PM »
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  • Quote from: JMC1608
    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!

    Hi. I used to have the same problems you are describing here. What I suggest you do it start praying the rosary daily, go to a traditional Catholic Mass if you can (Latin or Eastern rite, I would stay away from the Novus Ordo), and end all relationships with unrepentant sinners who used to be your partners in sin.
    R.I.P.
    Please pray for the repose of my soul.


    Offline songbird

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    Temptations
    « Reply #8 on: February 02, 2015, 09:37:53 PM »
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  • When temptations arise, quick prayers and I just call on Mary.  Also, it depends upon the temptations, sometimes the devil brings me thoughts and it brings on sadness.  I put a truth in place of the sadness.  For example:  If someone did me wrong and I hurt, yet I know they were sorrowful, the devil wants me to think of the hurt they caused.  I tell the devil that truth is, there is forgiveness of sin, and I in turn remind myself.  Try that idea too!

    Offline shin

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    Temptations
    « Reply #9 on: February 03, 2015, 01:49:42 AM »
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  • 'We believe that no one ever attains salvation but through the assistance of Divine grace; and that no one ever deserves the aid of Divine grace unless he asks and prays for it.'

    St. Augustine

    If you haven't the habit of always praying short vocal prayers from the heart whenever you are tempted, you must absolutely pick it up for the sake of your salvation.

    Prayers like, 'Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, help me.' 'Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, protect us.'

    This and regular lengthier prayers for spiritual protection each day and fulfillment of the duties of one's life.

    Cutting off occupations that are dangerous, development of virtue, and prayer are the key to everything. You just have to cut off more than you wish to.

    The Christian life is very different than the worldly life, it's supernatural rather than natural.
    Sincerely,

    Shin

    'Flores apparuerunt in terra nostra. . . Fulcite me floribus.' (The flowers appear on the earth. . . stay me up with flowers. Sg 2:12,5)'-

    Offline PerEvangelicaDicta

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    Temptations
    « Reply #10 on: February 03, 2015, 01:06:45 PM »
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  • Shin, you always have excellent quotes from the saints.  Your website is a treasure in that regard.  
    (you should have that link in your autosignature)


    Offline shin

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    Temptations
    « Reply #11 on: February 04, 2015, 07:07:35 PM »
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  • Thanks PerEvangelicaDicta. Deo gratias et Mariae semper Virgini.

    If it were ever to become possible I would gladly add it.

    Inspirational Quotes from the Saints is a place I read daily for inspiration, always grateful for it.

    'Often say short prayers, but always with your whole heart. I will point out some to you: "Ah! my God, would that I never offended Thee! Ah! my Sovereign Good, wound, wound my heart with Thy holy love! He that loves Thee not, O my God! knows Thee not! When will my soul be filled with Thy divine charity!"'

    St. Paul of the Cross
    Sincerely,

    Shin

    'Flores apparuerunt in terra nostra. . . Fulcite me floribus.' (The flowers appear on the earth. . . stay me up with flowers. Sg 2:12,5)'-

    Offline JMC1608

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    Temptations
    « Reply #12 on: February 11, 2015, 02:16:04 PM »
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  • Thank you to all, you really give great advice!

    You suggested many great options that resonate with me; prayer, praying the rosary, avoidance, etc. I have tried all of these and they have helped me feel more whole and complete and closer to God. There is no room for evil when God surrounds you.

    Also, I know Matto has shared that he too has been in this situation, which helps me to feel like there are others who share my experiences.

    Has anyone else ever had these experiences or temptations? Feel free to share as I would appreciate it :)

    Online Stubborn

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    Temptations
    « Reply #13 on: February 11, 2015, 04:44:39 PM »
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  • Quote from: JMC1608


    Has anyone else ever had these experiences or temptations? Feel free to share as I would appreciate it :)


    There have been excellent answers already, no doubt the list will keep growing, for me, I would say to start reading good traditional Catholic literature.

    Everyone gets tempted. "As fire tries iron, so temptation tries a just man" is from My Imitation of Christ.

    I'm 55 years old and I can tell you that you can plan to experience them at least till your that old and I can also tell you that the more often you resist, the easier it is to say "No." Stay close to Our Lady, keep the Holy Name of Mary on your lips always to get in the habit of saying "No" to temptation. Consider that the word "no" has only one meaning, cannot be misunderstood and is the easiest of words to say - so easy even infants know what that word means and how to say it.

    I suggest reading St. Alphonsus'; The Glories of Mary, then other Catholic literature to inspire you towards heaven. The closer you get to Our Lady, the stronger your armour will be against the snares of the devil, him who fools us with momentary selfish, sinful delights which cost us an eternity of suffering in hell.

    In the Novena to the Holy Ghost, we learn that "Sin is the result of ignorance, weakness and indifference." So, with the grace of God, strive to not be an indifferent, ignorant weakling.

    We sin because we are selfish, we give in to some sinful pleasure to satisfy a want or desire instead of giving up that momentary pleasure for the love of God. So this is why we need to "fast and abstain", to give up something you normally would not no matter how small, we do this to help us get in the habit of denying some of our selfish wants which are not sinful, so that when we are tempted to indulge in some desires which are sinful, it is out of habit that we are ready to deny ourselves that pleasure.

    "But Peter and the apostles answering, said: We ought to obey God, rather than men." - Acts 5:29

    The Highest Principle in the Church: "We are first of all under obedience to God, and only then under obedience to man" - Fr. Hesse

    Offline Jaynek

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    Temptations
    « Reply #14 on: February 11, 2015, 08:03:48 PM »
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  • Thanks to everyone in this thread.  It is really helpful.