How to withstand temptation

LDS Church, August 30, 1997

Below are my suggestions of how to withstand temptation:
1. Select your friends carefully.
2. Pray frequently.
3. Attend Church regularly.
4. Attend both stake and general conferences regularly.
5. Attend firesides.
6. Magnify your calling.
7. Home and visit teach regularly.
8. Bear your testimony often.
9. Work on family history research.
10. Attend the temple often.
11. Make reading the scriptures a habit.
12. Be charitable.
13. Adhere to the 13th Article of Faith: "We believe in being honest, true, chaster, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul - We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things."
14. Increase knowledge, line upon line, precept upon precept. - Rudy Kannapien, Bridgeview, Ill.
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One day I was at home going about my daily routine when I felt impressed that a time would come when I would be severely tempted. I knew these temptations would test my commitment to live by the standards of the Church. Due to the seriousness of the warning, I got on my knees and asked Heavenly Father what I could do to protect myself. The answer came, "Read your scriptures."
I think we often fail to realize the power, strength and protection we can receive from this valuable resource. When I am engaged in regular scripture study, I can not only resist temptations, but also can recognize them and often avoid them altogether. When I am lax with my scripture study, temptations seem to increase, and I often pause to momentarily consider their enticing lure. I know I have also been given the power to withstand temptation by my love of the Savior and by Father's grace. - Tresea Hall, Middletown, Ohio

Often, our journal entries from the past that relate to temptation help us to remember the commitments we have made and assist us in living up to them. - Stacy J. Lee, Irvine, Calif.

I've been a bishop three times, once for a singles ward. I've discovered that many temptations are directed to two categories of people - married adults and single adults. Temptations for married adults can be different than those of single adults. Single adult temptations are often those concerning the opposite sex. Morality is a real serious temptation for single adults in the Church. My counsel to single adults was basically one thing - keep all the commandments all the time. If there is a problem, we discuss how the problem occurred.
Temptations for married adults can be such things as charging things and living beyond one's means. In some cases, morality can be an issue and remembering that the most important person is your spouse. One of the things I tell married adults is that if you're praying together each night before going to bed, and each morning when you wake up, you'll find that the Lord will be there. If you choose to be selfish with that principle of the gospel, the Lord withdraws. - Bob Clark, Federal Way, Wash.

Recently, President Gordon B. Hinckley visited Palm Springs, Calif. During his talk, he held up a Book of Mormon that was one of those first printed. He stated that it was this edition that converted Brigham Young. He asked members to make studying the Book of Mormon a lifelong endeavor. Among other things, he promised, "It will give you greater strength against temptation." What exactly does the Book of Mormon do to bring about this promise? I think it may come partly from the surety of its testimony and the spirit in one's life it engenders. I imagine it is somewhat the same effect as the commitment and enthusiasm the pioneers felt upon reaching the Salt Lake Valley when Brigham Young stated, "This is the right place." I'm sure they proceeded into the valley feeling exuberant with this knowledge. - Dan Tyrrel, Moreno Valley, Calif.

"But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition." (1 Tim. 6:9.)
We must seek the riches of heaven and eternity, instead of the riches of this world. - Willie Bob Leary, Macon, Ga.

A very loving stake president directed my attention to Ether 12:27. I realized that my only hope in overcoming my weaknesses was to come unto Christ. - Name and location withheld

1) Attend the temple, remember your covenants and always wear your garments. The latter is a reminder of what you've promised. Keeping this promise has helped me keep away from poor situations.
2) Live smart. Don't knowingly put yourself in situations where you'll be tempted. For example, if I know it's wrong to drink, will I put myself in situations where I'll be tempted? No.
3) Plan ahead. You have to have forethought. That means you can't always be spontaneous. But this way of thinking will save you. When I was in Young Women, leaders would ask, "What would you do if . . .?" I used to think that was a stupid question. Now I realize that I have to make decisions now rather than wait for the temptation to occur. You can't put those decisions off. Make the decision now to keep the commandments. Be aware of what the personal cost will be to succumb to temptation. Be aware of consequences.
4) Picture those you love and how they'd feel about your making serious mistakes. - Shawna Otte, Murray, Utah

How to checklist:
1. Invite the Spirit; read scriptures, pray, attend temple.
2. Prepare to withstand temptation; decide now to keep the commandments.
3. Don't knowingly put yourself in temptation's way.
4. Picture those you love and how they'd feel about you making serious mistakes.