Encouragement

---

At some time in our lives every one of us will be tempted to do or say something that is morally wrong, or that will offend someone. And there is always going to be someone who will stand at our side and urge us to steal or walk away without paying for the goods. Or we may be tempted to overindulge with chocolate or drink, when we know full well that to do so would be letting ourselves down.

It happens to the best of us, for even Jesus was severely tested by Satan following his fast of forty days and forty nights. But weakened as he was by his prolonged fast Jesus had the moral strength to deny the demands and the taunts of Satan, and emerge stronger and more powerful than ever. We cannot avoid being influenced by others especially if they are older or more senior than us, and it is tempting to think that we can avoid the negative consequences of our destructive behaviour.

As we enter the period of Lent most of us will promise to give up something or other, maybe stop smoking or refrain from eating chocolate, or put more money into a collection box. It is only natural that there will be times when we wish we could renege on our promises, and just sneak away and give in to temptation without anyone else knowing.

We cannot avoid being tempted, but what we can do is to focus on what we have set our goals on, and why we want to achieve them. Visualise also in rich detail the things you want to accomplish, the life you wish to live, and the people who will profit by your actions. Be true to yourself and your aims, for that truth will bring strength, and that strength will bring success.

Use that success to do good for yourself, to reinforce your self-respect, and know that you will always be stronger than any temptations that may come your way.

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE