Humility and Temptation

A struggle I have had for a time, and which I have no doubt others struggle with is connecting with God on a daily basis.

Before I came to this school I did not struggle with this. Not because I was so pious but quite the opposite. I had no consistent desire to commune with God. But praise God for Ouachita Hills for showing me the difference in my life that is contingent upon the amount of time I spend with God or devote to Him.

I have slowly but surely, with the Lords assistance been realizing how essential it is the put God first and not my own wants in the morning or at night.

So a quote that I have been keeping in my mind is found in child guidance. Its set to the aspect of parents to children but I see it so relevant to myself, and I'm sharing it because others struggle as well.

"If they are weak in virtue and purity of thoughts and acts, they can obtain help from the Friend of the helpless. Jesus is acquainted with all the weaknesses of human nature, and, if entreated, will give strength to overcome the most powerful temptations. All can obtain this strength if they seek for it in humility."—(Child Guidance, 466, 467.)

Its when I realize that I am in need, when my pride is not my motive for action that I will desire to come before God for the strength I must have to be faithful to Christ's example. So I often repeat these words to remind myself in the morning.

Another problem I have is self confidence or security amidst temptation. In the sense that I am not keeping awareness, that I will choose to not spend time in watchfulness and prayer because I feel as if I am above the reach of deception. My mind has literally changed over night and become lax to the point of being completely unaware to my compromises I am committing even at the early hours of the new day.

Thus I try to think of this quote.

"By beholding we become changed. Though formed in the image of his Maker, man can so educate his mind that sin which he once loathed will become pleasant to him. As he ceases to watch and pray, he ceases to guard the citadel, the heart, and engages in sin and crime. The mind is debased, and it is impossible to elevate it from corruption while it is being educated to enslave the moral and intellectual powers and bring them in subjection to grosser passions." Test 2 ,478

I am much more often deceived and fall into Satan's traps by small incremental comprises rather than large instances of rebellion. Being aware that any exposure to things that are unfavorable to the formation of Christ-like character are a risk, an eternal risk is essential to avoiding sinning.

All in all, when it comes down to it, giving into temptation, and separating your soul from God is a result of two things.

"He who refuses to connect with God, and puts himself in the way of temptation, will surely fall. " 4T 622.3

I pray God will keep things things in your mind and this will be an encouragement in your Daily fight for purity.

Blessings!