Resisting Temptation

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland explained: “Whether we be single or married,

young or old, let’s talk for a moment about how to guard against
temptation in whatever form it may present itself. We may not be able
to cure all of society’s ills today, but let’s speak of what some personal
actions can be
• Above all, start by separating yourself from people, materials,
and circumstances that will harm you. As those battling
something like alcoholism know, the pull of proximity can be
fatal. So too in moral matters. Like Joseph in the presence of
Potiphar’s wife,4 just run—run as far away as you can get from
whatever or whoever it is that beguiles you. And please, when
eeing the scene of temptation, do not leave a forwarding
address

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland explained: “Whether we be single or married,

young or old, let’s talk for a moment about how to guard against
temptation in whatever form it may present itself. We may not be able
to cure all of society’s ills today, but let’s speak of what some personal
actions can be
• Acknowledge that people bound by the chains of true addictions
often need more help than self-help, and that may include you.
Seek that help and welcome it. Talk to your bishop. Follow his
counsel. Ask for a priesthood blessing. Use the Church’s Family
Services offerings or seek other suitable professional help. Pray
without ceasing. Ask for angels to help you
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 Elder Jeffrey R. Holland explained: “Whether we be single or married,

young or old, let’s talk for a moment about how to guard against
temptation in whatever form it may present itself. We may not be able
to cure all of society’s ills today, but let’s speak of what some personal
actions can be
• Along with lters on computers and a lock on affections,
remember that the only real control in life is self-control. Exercise
more control over even the marginal moments that confront you.
If a TV show is indecent, turn it off. If a movie is crude, walk out.
If an improper relationship is developing, sever it. Many of these
in uences, at least initially, may not technically be evil, but they
can blunt our judgment, dull our spirituality, and lead to
something that could be evil. An old proverb says that a journey
of a thousand miles begins with one step,5 so watch your step

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland explained: “Whether we be single or married,

young or old, let’s talk for a moment about how to guard against
temptation in whatever form it may present itself. We may not be able
to cure all of society’s ills today, but let’s speak of what some personal
actions can be
• Like thieves in the night, unwelcome thoughts can and do seek
entrance to our minds. But we don’t have to throw open the door,
serve them tea and crumpets, and then tell them where the
silverware is kept! (You shouldn’t be serving tea anyway.) Throw
the rascals out! Replace lewd thoughts with hopeful images and
joyful memories; picture the faces of those who love you and
would be shattered if you let them down. More than one man has
been saved from sin or stupidity by remembering the face of his
mother, his wife, or his child waiting somewhere for him at home.
Whatever thoughts you have, make sure they are welcome in
your heart by invitation only. As an ancient poet once said, let will
be your reason
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 Elder Jeffrey R. Holland explained: “Whether we be single or married,

young or old, let’s talk for a moment about how to guard against
temptation in whatever form it may present itself. We may not be able
to cure all of society’s ills today, but let’s speak of what some personal
actions can be
• Cultivate and be where the Spirit of the Lord is. Make sure that
includes your own home or apartment, dictating the kind of art,
music, and literature you keep there. If you are endowed, go to
the temple as often as your circumstances allow. Remember that
the temple arms you “with [God’s] power, … [puts His] glory …
round about [you], and [gives His] angels … charge over [you].”7
And when you leave the temple, remember the symbols you take
with you, never to be set aside or forgotten

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland taught

“Most people in trouble end up crying, “What was I thinking?” Well,
whatever they were thinking, they weren’t thinking of Christ. Yet, as
members of His Church, we pledge every Sunday of our lives to take
upon ourselves His name and promise to “always remember him.”8 So
let us work a little harder at remembering Him—especially that He has
“borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows …, [that] he was bruised for
our iniquities … ; and with his stripes we are healed.”9 Surely it would
guide our actions in a dramatic way if we remembered that every time
we transgress, we hurt not only those we love, but we also hurt Him,
who so dearly loves us. But if we do sin, however serious that sin may
be, we can be rescued by that same majestic gure, He who bears the
only name given under heaven whereby any man or woman can be
saved.10 When confronting our transgressions and our souls are
harrowed up with true pain, may we all echo the repentant Alma and
utter his life-changing cry: “O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on
me.
”

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Elder L. Tom Perry explained, “We learn a great lesson from Joseph.
When he was presented with a temptation, he immediately separated
himself from even the appearance of evil. All of us have events in our
lives which nd us in challenging situations.
“When we are confronted with that which is evil and degrading—
whether it be the wrong kind of music, a television program, or the
Internet which places us in the wrong environment—how
strengthening it is to remember the story of Joseph: ‘And [he] ed, and
got him out’ (Gen. 39:12). He removed himself from the temptation” (L.
Tom Perry, “Becoming Men in Whom the Spirit of God Is,” Ensign,
May 2002, 41)

Elder Dallin H. Oaks said, “Don’t accommodate any degree of

temptation. Prevent sin and avoid having to deal with its inevitable
destruction. So, turn it off! Look away! Avoid it at all costs. Direct your
thoughts in wholesome paths. Remember your covenants and be
faithful in temple attendance” (Dallin H. Oaks, “Pornography,” Ensign
or Liahona, May 2005, 90)

President David O. McKay said, “Temptation often comes in [a] quiet

way. Perhaps the yielding to it may not be known by anyone save the
individual and his God, but if he does yield to it, he becomes to that
extent weakened, and spotted with the evil of the world. . . Satan is
still determined to have his way, and his emissaries have power given
them today as they have not had throughout the centuries. Be
prepared to meet conditions that may be severe, ideological
conditions that may seem reasonable but are evil. In order to meet
these forces, we must depend upon the whisperings of the Holy Spirit,
to which you are entitled. They are real.
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One key to resisting temptation is consistent obedience. If
you give in sometimes, the temptation is harder to resist in
the future. If you resist consistently, you get stronger and it
is easier to resist in the future. Much of the strength to
resist comes from the Savior’s Atonement working in your
life. As you do your best to learn the Savior’s teachings
and follow them, the Lord strengthens you to withstand
temptation

“Pray always, that you may come off

conqueror; yea, that you may conquer
Satan” (D&C 10:5)

Stand in Holy Place

My older brother always tells me to “stand in holy places.”
I found that this means to stand where temptations are
less present or less severe. My stake president said,
“Don’t just resist temptation—avoid temptation.” There will
be times when you have to resist temptations, but it
becomes easier to live the gospel when temptations are
not there to tempt you
Aaron L., 18, Utah, US
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Role-play Choosing the Righ

I think it’s important to make up my mind ahead of time
about choices I will be faced with. I was unexpectedly
faced with a tricky situation, and the outcome was positive
because I had already made up my mind that I would not
back down from my standards. Even though I am
sometimes uncomfortable, my family practices role-playing
so I know what to say or do when faced with temptations
Emelyne P., 14, Wyoming, US

Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve

Apostles: “When you have taken a determined stand for
right, when you have established personal standards and
made covenants to keep them, when temptations come
and you act according to your standards, you will be
reinforced and given strength beyond your own capacity if
that is needed. Dif culty comes when you enter the battle
of temptation without a xed plan” (“Do What Is Right,”
Ensign, June 1997, 53).
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Elder Lynn G. Robbins of the Seventy said during a devotional.

“I invite you to think about your greatest temptations and then
ponder and pray about what you can do to avoid them in the
future, rather than trying to resist them,” he said. “I then invite you
to wisely follow through on the avoidance revelation that comes to
you. . . it is easier to avoid temptation than it is to resist
temptation.”
Using the desire of wanting to eat a chocolate chip cookie as an
example, Elder Robbins spoke of the importance of overcoming
temptation through avoiding it in the rst place, rather than just
resisting.
“It is easier for me to not have the cookies in the house than it is
to walk though the front door and smell two dozen of them fresh
out of the oven—warm and moist and smelling good.”
The cookie metaphor represents the many temptations individuals
face in life today. Avoiding temptation is an act of faith and one of
the foremost principles taught by the Savior. . . Elder Robbins
shared some insights to help individuals “enter not into
temptation.” The rst step individuals should take to avoid
temptation is to close the door on it and avoid it completely.
“Many pray to be delivered from temptation, but they leave the
doorway to temptation cracked just a bit, convincing themselves
that nibbling isn’t partaking and that the Lord will justify in
committing a little sin,” Elder Robbins taught. “An age-old proverb
states, ‘An open door may tempt a saint.’ ”
Leaving the door ajar allows Satan access to the pleasure center
of an individual, and from there he is able to confuse, he said.
“The key is to not leave the door cracked open. Satan cannot
open the door from outside.

Memorize the words to a favorite hymn. Sing it or think

about it when unwelcome thoughts come. Or recite the
Articles of Faith or scripture verses in your mind
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 Elder Lynn G. Robbins said,

Another example of what individuals can do to close the door on
temptation and act in faith is for dieters to get rid of junk food in
the cupboard and not go to the grocery store when hungry. For
Internet junkies it may mean deleting a game on their phone that
they are addicted to or not connecting with old boyfriends or
girlfriends on their social media site when married. It may also
mean putting a lter on television and Internet access so that
offensive content will be blocked or even breaking up with a
signi cant other who does not demonstrate virtuous thoughts or
behavior.
Through pondering and praying about what they can do to avoid
their greatest temptations, individuals are able to receive
revelation that will help them avoid being tempted in the future

• Be careful of people who don’t have your standards and who

don’t respect them. It’s OK to be friendly; you can invite them
to your good activities. But avoid their territory

• Watch the clock. When it’s late and you are tired, your
resistance is lower. Weariness and sadness often leads to
sin. Learn to know yourself. Know when you are weak and
susceptible to temptation

Know where your identity lie

If you are confused about where you nd your value and worth, and
you don’t nd it from the Lord, you will look to others to provide it for
you. Soon a compliment from another person catches your attention
and you look to nd your signi cance in others
You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). You are made
in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27-31). You are valuable
enough that God would send His Son to die for you.
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