"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)
The webinar will be focusing on how to break away from pornography. But really, breaking away from any kind of temptation or challenges with self-mastery. The webinar will help teach the doctrine of Satan and his purposes, pointing to the power and hope in Jesus Christ, while highlighting helps and resources available. Plus, hearing from others share their journey of overcoming or from professionals who help others to overcome. (I am totally biased, but I think it is going to be powerful – ALL should come join.)
We probably can all agree that pornography is a common temptation of our day. The temptation is starting at a younger and younger age. Women and young women are not immune (@sistersonthefrontlines). It is a common temptation for many. Many of our families have been affected in one way or another by pornography.
Whenever we give in to our appetites and passions, the enemy (Satan) is quick to say in our mind things such as: “hide, you should be ashamed, don’t tell anyone, you are the only one with this problem, you should just isolate, you did it again, you are worthless” and blah, blah, blah. A lot of blame, shame, and lies. His purpose? For us to be miserable like himself. He wants to keep us from feeling the love and acceptance of a loving Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. He wants us to forget our truth that we are children of God and to cause a disconnect and contention in that relationship and in all our relationships. The enemy tells us we are not worthy of the open arms and the invitation which the Savior always extends when He says, “come unto me”. He doesn't want us to reach out to anyone for help.
But my God is faithful. He is good at keeping His promises. He sent his Son to die for us. That loving act and sacrifice has already been done. Jesus Christ is our Redeemer from our mistakes and sins. He will be faithful in inviting us to use the gift of repentance again and again. He is faithful in forgiving. He is faithful in mercy. He is faithful in giving His strength to lift and help us. Faithful in His grace, His enabling power. Are we faithful in seeking Him, especially in our moments of temptation? Are we faithful in using our power to choose good over evil? Are we humbling ourselves before God and praying for strength to not be “tempted above that [we] are able? Are we willing to obey the commandments, which strengthens us against temptation? There is much we can do and might consider faithfully doing to guard ourselves against temptation. My God provides ways to escape temptation. His spirit is one of the ways. Am I choosing to listen to the Holy Ghost which warns me and offers a way to escape?
Truth statements and declarations from scriptures and church leaders are empowering to me. Such as:
My Personalized Declaration of Truth: I will “…humble [myself] before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that [I] may not be tempted above that which [I] can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering [for my body and soul]; Having faith on the Lord; having a hope that [Jesus shall help me with my health desires and goals]; having the love of God always in [my] heart, that [I] may be lifted up [and guided every day, noticing His helping hand and tender mercies].” (Alma 13: 28-29)
This truth from a living project helps put things in perspective for me:
“What is Satan’s purpose? It is to make people miserable. He has no body, and he's envious of those who do. So, Satan tempts you and me nearly every day. He tempts us through our appetites. Our Creator gave us appetites in order to perpetuate the species. We have an appetite for food, we have an appetite for drink, and we have an appetite for love. Without those appetites being fulfilled there would be no perpetuation of the species and no fulfillment of God's great plan of happiness for his children. So how does Satan tempt us? Through those very appetites. He tempts us to eat things we should not eat, to drink things we should not drink, and to love in ways we should not love. Therefore, we have to be very careful to control our appetites so that we can enjoy the blessings of Heavenly Father and choose to follow His way of life.” -- Russell M. Nelson
A powerful reminder about prayer from this scripture passage:
Scripture Passage of Truth: “Pray always, that you may come off conqueror; yea, that you may conquer Satan, and that you may escape the hands of the servants of Satan that do uphold his work.” (Doctrine and Covenants 10:5)
Still, there are times when professional help is needed. Prayer, scripture study, commandment keeping, and like principles might not be enough. Professional help is often part of the “escape” God offers. Learning from men and women who know how the brain works and who offer counseling, therapy, and support. Joining with others who have had similar experiences might be part of the “escape” God offers. He puts people in our paths, programs, and resources to help with the escape. I know He does.
Someone explained this to me, which continues to serve as a good reminder. Satan’s message past, present, and future are torture, temptation, and torment. God’s message past, present, and future are humility, heavenly help, and hope in Christ. Christ offers connection and peace. Whereas Satan desires contention within ourselves and with others. Can you hear the truth in these statements? Especially as it might apply to your own life?
Perhaps your temptation is not pornography. For me, it is sugar and food. Your temptation might be sugar too, or it might be alcohol, drugs, or another temptation “common to man” which affects our appetites. Temptation is all around us. There is purpose in temptation and there is purpose in overcoming it. Turning to Jesus Christ is always the answer. He is our escape. He and Father in Heaven will be faithful in helping us to overcome. I know it!
